The Priests, the Irish singing priestly trio who broke the Guinness world record for the fastest selling classical debut album of all time, are releasing their second album "Harmony," on November 23, the day before Susan Boyle's eagerly-awaited debut album, "I Dreamed a Dream." In addition, the Priests will be singing several songs also set to be on Susan's new album including "How Great Thou Art," "Silent Night," and "Amazing Grace."
The stage is thus set for a barn-burner of a battle to see who will be number one in America, Britain and Ireland this Thanksgiving/Christmas season.
Both sides will fancy their chances.
The Priests' album "Harmony," will also feature tracks such as “The Lord’s Prayer” and 'You'll Never Walk Alone."
The album was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and the Priests are accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Priests, brothers Fathers Martin and Eugene O’Hagan and Father David Delargy, were young school friends when they first sang together at the age of 12 (Martin and David) and 15 (Eugene).
Their love of singing continued while studying for the priesthood in Rome.
Since signing the $4 million global contract on the steps of Westminster Cathedral in April 2008, the Priests have enjoyed phenomenal worldwide success.
Pope Benedict XVI has pronounced himself a major fan and the trio have gone global, visiting 17 countries and attracting a worldwide fan base.
The release of their first album "The Priests" last year resulted in a nomination for a Classical Brit Award, and sold 2 million copies in just seven weeks.
In the U.S., the album reached the number one spot on Billboard’s Heatseakers chart, number one on the Classical Traditional Chart, number one on the Top New Artist Album chart, and held the top spot on the Amazon sales chart.
Outside the U.S., the album topped the Irish and Norwegian charts, was in the top five in Norway, Holland, New Zealand, Sweden, Finland and the UK, went platinum in Australia and Canada, and gold in Spain.
The Priests have sung to Queen Of England, The President of Ireland and participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York.
The full time priests have also had their share of TV exposure in America, and have performed on “CBS Sunday Morning,” “NBC Nightly News,” “Live with Regis and Kelly,” and the “CBS Early Show.”
Once ordained, all three took up parish commitments. Singing was both part of prayer plus, in their spare time, they performed in local operas, musicals and choirs and have been singing as a trio for 30 years.
In February 2008, a Sony record company scout knocked on their door and asked them to make a demo. The rest, as they say is history.
The Priests never allow their music commitments to stand in the way of their day jobs and parish obligations.
So adamant are they that their priestly duties must come first, their recording contract stipulates that they will never be asked to put record promotion ahead of their pastoral work.
In addition, the Priests have stated that the majority of the profits from the sale of their album that they receive as recording artists will be given to charity.
HARMONY: Complete Track listing:
How Great Thou Art
Ta Deum
Gaelic Blessing
Amazing Grace
Bist Du Bei Mir
Benedictus
Stabat Mater
Laudamus Te
Ave Verum
King of Kings
Lift Thine Eyes
Silent Night
The Lord’s Prayer
O Comfort My People
You’ll Never Walk Alone
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SIC: Irish Central