Ryan Morgan is a lyric tenor living in Cork, but originally from Wales. With a repertoire that encompasses the classical tenor range, as well as swing and contemporary music, Ryan’s soaring voice never fails to thrill audiences. Catch him this Sunday performing with Two and a Half Tenors – Ireland’s leading “Operatainers” Derek Ryan 6’4’’, Ryan Morgan 6’7’’ and Nyle Wolfe 5’6’’ with special guest the Devastating Diva, Jean Wallace.
Tell me how music started for you?
I’m Welsh! So I didn’t have to look very hard for inspiration. I was involved in various choirs throughout my teens, and was lucky enough to travel with them to the USA and Canada, as well as performing with them in the Albert Hall.
When did you know it was what you wanted to do as a profession?
Only after I completed a PhD in Law did I decide to leave my lecturing position to begin singing professionally.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
It’s difficult to choose one highlight. I love the diversity of my work – I have a regular gig on the magnificent cruise ships that dock in Cobh almost weekly, where I present the most wonderful songs and arias to an appreciative audience. I enjoy working on challenging repertoire, for instance the much acclaimed “Der Vampyr” in the Everyman Palace, Cork, last year.
How did the Two and a half Tenors come about? How did you meet your band mates?
Our singing teacher Dr. Veronica Dunne was a common link, although we all studied with her at different times. The lads and I stumbled across one another in various guises, most often singing together with “Singers For Hire”, Nyle’s wedding and corporate entertainment company. We got along together very well from the beginning and the dynamic between us works very well onstage, with the “Two and a Half Tenors” group being a really fun show to do! Our first concert was a charity performance called the Farmyard Proms – performed, as the name suggests, in a farmyard in Co. Limerick, June 2015.
Your upcoming show is called ‘Venice to Vegas’ because of the broad repertoire from Pavarotti to Elvis, Sinatra to McCormack. Which musical genre do you enjoy performing the most?
It’s great to cast a wide net and appeal to the broadest possible audience. We meet the audience after the show and it’s wonderful how many people name so many different songs as their favourites of the night. The programme is the best possible combination of opera, Broadway and musical theatre productions – something for everyone!
What’s the most challenging song from your repertoire to perform?
As the tallest tenor, I have the privilege of singing the really “high” notes! Nessun Dorma and “Maria” from West Side Story seem to really connect with the audience every time.
There are some really comedic moments in this show. Do you have a favourite one liner you can share with us?
“How many tenors does it take to change a light bulb?”
“Two and a Half! One to change the light bulb, and the other one and a half to tell him that it’s too high for him!” (Sorry, that’s two lines!)
VENICE TO VEGAS, Sunday 4th September, 8pm, Civic Theatre Tallaght.
Tickets €18 & €16 concession
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