Now in its eleventh year, the acclaimed ‘The John McCormack Songbook’ recital with Ross Scanlon (tenor) and David O’Shea (piano) returns on August 18 to the John Field Room, National Concert Hall.

Remembering the much-loved Irish tenor John McCormack (1884-1945), the concert offers audiences a nostalgic recollection of the past, with performances of such McCormack classics as ‘Roses of Picardy’, ‘Macushla’, ‘I Hear you Calling me’, ‘The Minstrel Boy’, and more.

John McCormack

One of the finest vocal artists of his time, McCormack’s distinctive tone and clear diction marked him as a singer with impeccable technique and helped make him one of the musical superstars of the early recording era. His performances of arias, Irish songs and popular songs of the day were legendary, with audiences flocking to hear him.

Looking back on McCormack’s varied career, as a popular singer, art song recitalist, and opera star, offers many possibilities, as pianist David O’Shea explains: “Ross and I have put together a number of programmes over the years, combining well-known favourites with a selection of works from different corners of McCormack’s repertoire. This year, we are focusing on McCormack’s interest in art songs and popular songs by composers of his own time, including Roger Quilter and Ralph Vaughan Williams.”

Graduates of TU Dublin Conservatoire, tenor Ross Scanlon has performed as a soloist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, as well as Welsh National Opera and Opera Collective Ireland, while pianist David O’Shea enjoys a busy career as a choral conductor, organist, accompanist, teacher, and concert producer.

‘The John McCormack Songbook’ takes place on Friday 18 August, at 1.05pm, in the John Field Room, National Concert Hall. Tickets (€18/16) are available at nch.ie

Ross Scanlon & David O’Shea