Dr. Tynan will now see you

Have you ever waited to see a doctor?  We at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center have been waiting to see Dr. Ronan Tynan for some time.  He will be our guest speaker and artist for our Gala V celebration on September 14-15.  Not only is this man an orthopedic doctor, but he is a world-class Irish tenor, as well as a much sought after inspirational speaker.  He will be delivering on both accounts for you at the NPAC!

His pursuit of a medical degree probably came from his difficulties he has had to overcome as a child and in later life. A difficult birth left him disabled and took the life of his twin brother. As if that wasn’t enough, a car accident later caused him to have both lower legs amputated.  His courage and determination soon had him competing in the Paralympics, where he earned 18 gold medals in track and field and set 14 world records!  He then turned to the medical field and became the first disabled person ever admitted to the National College of Physical Education.  He later became a full-fledged doctor, specializing in orthopedic sports injuries with a degree from prestigious Trinity College.

With all these amazing accomplishments, it is probably his incredible singing voice that has gained him such international notoriety. Once again, courage and determination led him to take on another challenge. Although he enjoyed singing as a boy, he did not seriously consider formal voice study until the age of 33, when he was well into his residency as a physician.  After being turned down by numerous prestigious music schools, his determination would not allow him to give up.  He credits his mother for instilling the drive to “follow your dreams!”  Persistence finally landed him a vocal teacher and soon he was winning talent awards throughout Europe and on the British Broadcasting Corporation’s biggest talent show “Go for It!”

In 1998, Tynan joined Anthony Kearns and John McDermott (later Finbar Wright) as The Irish Tenors, an instant worldwide success. His infectious personality made him an audience favorite while on stage with the Irish Tenors.  One thing led to another and he soon became a hit in America.  As this big Irishman tells audiences, “America is powerful and intense, and it begs you to take it on.”  The Dublin, Ireland, native now says America is his home away from home.  He loves America and all the opportunities it offers to those with determination and drive.

He became a huge hit, singing “God Bless America” at New York Yankee baseball games during the seventh inning stretch.  He also was asked to sing at President Reagan’s funeral by Mrs. Reagan, also sang for the inauguration of President George W. Bush and answered the call to the 9/11 workers at Ground Zero, singing “Danny Boy.”

His autobiography Halfway Home can be found at the Brumback Library here in Van Wert.  It is an interesting read and allows you to enter the life of an incredible individual who, by the way, loves to also race horses and motorcycles!

I think you can see why major international corporations and organizations seek him as a motivational speaker.  His inherent belief instilled in him by his parents to follow your dreams, has made him a person to listen to and be inspired by.  When concertizing, as he will on Saturday, September 15 with the Lima Symphony Orchestra, he sings two songs about his mother and father that are touching tributes. Other than his parents who showed him tough love, he credits his faith in the Man Above for what he has been able to accomplish.

Come and hear him speak at the NPAC on Friday, September 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets are just $10.  Then hear his soaring tenor voice as he performs Saturday, September 15, at 7:30 p.m.  He is preparing this special concert just for you at the NPAC.  Tell all your friends.  I think you will want to hear both!  Get your tickets now at the NPAC box office (419-238-NPAC 6722) or on-line at www.npacvw.org.

Does he have a story to tell?  I should say!

As I said, the doctor will now see you.

FINÉ.