Father sydney macewan biography of mahatma

He was educated by the Jesuits at St. MacKenzie was adamant that Sydney should do something with his voice, and took him to London to meet the great Irish tenor, John McCormack, who agreed with MacKenzie, and with their support won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, where he had the finest possible teacher — Plunkett Greene. After his studies at the Royal Academy, Sydney MacEwan sang wherever he could — concerts, solo performances, radio — all with increasing success, and in made the first records in what was to be a long and prolific career on disc.

But although outwardly he appeared happy with his rise to fame, he had a nagging feeling that he should be doing something else, and after spending a year where he made seven retreats to seek spiritual guidance, he abandoned his professional life and went to the Vatican, where he began his studies for the priesthood at Scots College. He was ordained at St.

While studying, he had still made occasional records, and had certainly not been forgotten by his public. On the day of his ordination both Radio Eireann and the Australian Broadcasting Commission broadcast special programmes telling his life story and celebrating his new life. But much of his old life remained. His church superiors gave him permission to continue recording and give a limited number of concerts that could be fitted into his new works as a priest.

So, during school holidays when he was teaching, or when on leave from being an RAF chaplain, Father Sydney MacEwan made overseas tours, most prominently to the United States and Australia, where he was given the welcome usually reserved for royalty or pop singers. His large earnings on these overseas trips were handed to the Church Extension Fund in the Diocese of Argyle.

By now, he was parish priest of St. Arriving by sea on the SS Oransay in mid-June, he struck down with influenza and was unable to perform in that State and also at Adelaide. MacEwan died in September , aged His funeral was held in St Andrew's Cathedral, the church where he was ordained. He was survived by a brother. In Ireland on the first day of May each year, the hymn "Bring flowers of the rarest", also known as "Queen of the May", sung by MacEwan is played over the radio.

MacEwan's tenor voice was captured in 39 record albums, singles, and EPs. Neither the organist nor the choir who accompany him are identified in the liner notes. Contents move to sidebar hide. Article Talk. Read Edit View history.

Father sydney macewan biography of mahatma

Tools Tools. Download as PDF Printable version. In other projects. Wikidata item. The Very Reverend. Glasgow , Scotland. Early life [ edit ]. Catholic priesthood [ edit ]. Singing career [ edit ]. Australian tours [ edit ]. Later years [ edit ]. Discography [ edit ]. References [ edit ]. Songs Of Ireland And Scotland. Irish Songs Vol. Sacred Songs, Vol.

The Emerald Isle. The Spirit Of Christmas. Hebridean Songs Vol. The Twelve Days Of Christmas. Scotch and Irish Songs. Carols You Love. The Meeting Of The Waters. Gems From The Classics. Memories of John McCormack. Land Of My Heart.