FOR DARRAGH McGann, it all started with a few words from Marlon Brando. A brief meeting with the screen legend put the Corkonian on the road to becoming a lyrical baritone.
In 1995 Darragh was hired to be stand-in and double for the late Marlon Brando during the filming of Divine Rapture. While the film was never completed due to financial difficulties, Darragh received great advice from ‘The Godfather’ himself.
Brando heard Darragh singing one evening on the set of the movie in Ballycotton, Co Cork and suggested that he should consider recording some music and taking a chance. Eventually Darragh enrolled in voice coaching with the late Maeve Coughlan at the Cork School of Music.
From there he has been in demand singing at weddings, funerals, and liturgical services, took a major role in a production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, and sang the National Anthem for the commencement of the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin before 50,000 people.
He has won local and regional singing competitions and is also a champion public speaker with the Junior Chamber International. He has also appeared on RTÉ’s All Ireland Talent Show and Seoige.
Now Darragh McGann will launch his debut solo album, A New Beginning, with two concerts in Co Galway. Darragh will play the Station House Theatre, Clifden on Wednesday August 19 at 8.30pm and the Town Hall Theatre on Thursday August 20 at 8pm.
On the night he will perform classical arias and easy listening ballads with great emotion and honesty. The musical director will be Alan Carney and the guest soprano will be Eva McMullan.
For tickets to Darragh’s Clifden show contact 095 - 30303 or email [email protected] For the Town Hall show contact 091 - 569777.
