Classical singing group The Priests are heading for Teesside this summer for what looks set to be a sell-out concert ahead of a farewell tour of their native Ireland.

The award-winning trio, who have just announced that 2024 – their golden jubilee – will be their last year singing together, will perform at St Mary’s Cathedral, Middlesbrough, on Friday June 28. Later in the year the year they will embark on a Time To Say Goodbye Concert Tour in Ireland. But before that, North-East music lovers can experience an evening filled with beautiful music and their unique brand of Irish banter.

Father Martin O’Hagan, his brother, Eugene, and school friend Father David Delargy, say they can’t wait for their first ever visit to the town. Father Martin believes coming to Middlesbrough as they stop touring 50 years after their first musical performance together as schoolboys at St MacNissi’s College, County Antrim, will make it even more special.

Speaking of their experiences since being snapped up by record giant Sony in 2008, Father Martin said: “It’s been a whirlwind. It all began when we were contacted by a scout representing Sony, and after making a demo recording for them, we were given a contract to make three albums. “We had already sung together for more than 30 years at that stage, and the blend and the chemistry was intriguing. “David was a classmate of mine, and Eugene is my older brother, so there’s a dynamic and a chemistry there that works very well. “And so we began the journey, and I tell you it’s been and continues to be amazing. We’re so grateful to God and to all those who have supported us.”

The Priests’ self-titled debut album became the fastest-selling debut album for a classical act in the UK when it was released in 2008 and went gold and platinum around the world and topping the classical Billboard chart in the United States. Their first three albums were all nominated as Classical Album of the Year in the Classical Brit Awards. The three men have sung together since 1974 in various ways, including in the “Holy Shows”, helping raise funds for parishes, and as founding members of a choir that sings liturgical music.

The vast majority of The Priests’ music income goes into a charitable trust that has helped build schools in Cambodia, Uganda and Thailand, as well as looking after retired priests and homeless people. The three men, who were awarded MBEs in the Queen’s New Year Honours in 2020, continue to serve as full-time priests in the Diocese of Down and Connor. However, they always promised they would never allow their musical careers to encroach on their diocesan work, which is now becoming more difficult as they take on additional responsibilities. Father Martin said: “We’ve had lots of travelling to do to perform live and promote our albums, but the record label honoured our commitment to our parishes, and as full-time parish priests that was very important.

“We’ve had some wonderful opportunities and have met Pope Francis, and Pope Benedict as well, God rest him. “We also sang for the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and for King Charles and Queen Camilla. But it’s also been lovely to bring the music into hospital wards and the school classroom.”

Father Martin hopes the Middlesbrough concert will be a memorable one.   “I don’t think I have ever been to Middlesbrough, but we’re very much looking forward to the opportunity,” Father Martin said. “Canon Paul has been very proactive in getting in touch with us and we’re delighted the wheels are in motion for the concert. “There’s a very profound Irish connection in the history of Middlesbrough, so we’ll be tapping into that on the evening! I hope and pray there will be plenty who will come to enjoy the evening. There will be a mixture of music, both sacred and secular – with a little Irish section, of course! This is a wonderful opportunity, particularly as we reflect on 50 years of singing together, and the privilege we’ve had as God has helped bring this music to so many people.

“In a frenetic world, music can be an opportunity to slow us down, help us reflect and to step out of the busyness of life and to be uplifted and reassured. I think it will be good for ourselves, the parish and the wider community, so I hope people will come and have a very enjoyable evening with lots of banter and connection with the audience.”

Book Your Tickets to See The Priests

The event takes place on Friday June 28 2024 and will also feature the Cathedral Choir and Cantabile.

Tickets are priced from £22.50 to £27.50.

To book, call the cathedral on 01642 597750 or email cathedralevents@rcdmidd.org.uk.