Tom’s many musical talents on show

I am a freelance musical director and pianist based in Cork city with a keen interest in musical theatre and opera.
For the past four years, I’ve been lecturing in conducting at CIT Cork School of Music (CSM) where I direct the CSM Senior Orchestra and the adult musical theatre choir ‘Union’.
More recently, I’ve turned my hand towards composition: last summer, I worked with Chattyboo Productions to devise and write the score to Pubcrawl: the Musical and am currently collaborating with director Judie Chalmers on a new musical adaptation of a children’s classic — watch this space!
In Luton, England (the accent gives it away).
I spent my initial years there before the family moved back to Wexford and built a house on the long, winding road to Kilmore Quay.
I moved to Cork in 2006 and haven’t left! — so much so that I declare myself to be a yellow belly with a rebel heart.
Dad took early retirement a couple of years back and Mum currently works as an SNA in Wexford. My sister Elena lives in Enniscorthy along with her partner Chris and daughter Lilly (she’s about to turn four — let the fun begin!). Mum’s parents live in Cyprus so sun holidays are never an issue.
Buy me a glass of red wine and you’re halfway there.
To be honest, I can’t remember what happened five minutes ago, let alone …
The list is too long.
See answer above.
I know a lady in the Blackpool Parish Choir who’d have no problem whipping the public coffers into shape.
In the Czech Republic on two occasions — once in Olomouc with the UCC Choral Society (we managed to drink a pub dry of all its beer …) and another time with a friend in Prague. It’s such a beautiful country, steeped with so much history and culture.
If the TV is on, I’ll default to the news channels. I wish I had a more exciting answer but there you have it!
The Blue of the Night on Lyric FM — but only when they’re playing the nice stuff.
A vegetarian curry — though I’ll admit I do cheat by using a curry paste. Bit of crème fraiche, brown rice, peshwari naan and chopped coriander on the side and we’re sorted.
Market Lane. Great food and great service — what more could you ask for?
by Sylvia Plath. It was a tough read, especially towards the end, but Plath is one of those writers who manages to draw you in by her clever and manipulative use of the English language.
I picked up
by Elia Barceló recently on a complete whim whilst visiting the City Library (I know they say you should never judge a book by its cover but that’s easier said than done).An incredibly vivid and colourful short story with the climax condensed beautifully into six or so pages — I was forced to take a breather after reading it.
I honestly couldn’t tell you — I deal more with printed sheet music than recordings.
, covered by the Carpenters. If I’m in a classical mood, then it’s by Richard Strauss.
If you could bring back Karen Carpenter, sign me up.
No. (Does my housemate count?)
Probably a night owl — I’m too fond of lie-ins.
They say that pride comes before a fall so I’d better quit here while I’m ahead.
Saver for a rainy day. As anyone working in the arts knows all too well, freelance life can be unfortunately precarious at the best of times.
Make Douglas Street one-way (this resident has seen — and heard — enough road rage to last him a lifetime).
The smell of fresh cut grass; random banter at the bus stop; really dark chocolate; out-of-tune bagpipes; a clear blue sky after a storm; when the traffic lights turn green on approach.
Do you know something, I don’t?! Let’s go with: someone who just got stuff done.
Let me check the diary: As well as treasurer for the Cork Orchestral Society, I’m also involved in rep work with Cork Operatic Society, Feis Maitiu competitions, a concert with the CSM Opera Platform group, Easter mass services in Blackpool Church, MC work at Cork International Choral Festival, accompaniment for two MA recitals, and musical direction for a show in the Midsummer Festival. Enough to keep me busy.
Tom Doyle is Treasurer of the Cork Orchestral Society, who are currently in their 81st season.
The next concert to take place as part of the Cork Orchestral Society Programme will see the highly acclaimed Anglo-Irish Carducci String Quartet joined by Julian Bliss in the Curtis Auditorium at CIT Cork School of Music on Thursday, March 21.
For more info and tickets log onto, www.corkorchestralsociety.ie