Jose Carreras Influenced by Irish Tenor

McCormack Record in Liverpool Museum

 

One of the original international ‘Three Tenors’ said on RTE television recently that Athlone born tenor, John ‘Count’ McCormack was one of his greatest influences.

Jose Carreras, appeared as a guest on ‘The Late Late Show’ and told host, Ryan Tubridy that McCormack was one of the best tenors of his time.

Carreras is a Spanish tenor who gained a global audience, following his appearance with Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo in 1990, in the first of the Three Tenors Concert.  The concert took place in Rome on the eve of the 1990 World Cup final.  The tenors continued performing together in concerts for the next thirteen years.

“John McCormack was of his time, and one of the best, and one of the most prestigious people, and a favourite of the Metropolitan Opera House, New York for many many years,” said Carreras on the Late Late show. 

McCormack was born in Athlone in 1884, and up to his death in 1945; he was one of the world’s most famous tenors.  McCormack made £200,000 per year at the height of his fame and at 23 he became Covent Garden’s youngest tenor to play a leading role.  He was given a knighthood by the Pope, and was called Count.  He preferred to style his name, John ‘Count’ McCormack.

Athlone Town Council decided at their October 2013  meeting to re-name the town's Civic Square in honour of John ‘Count’ McCormack.