Person to Person:'Music has given me so many opportunities to travel'

Tell us about yourself:

My name is Kate O’Shea, I’m 22 years old and I’m a violinist. I recently finished my Bachelor of Music at MTU Cork School of Music and am about to embark on my next chapter - a masters in violin performance at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague.

Growing up, I was immersed in Irish traditional music and culture. I went to a gaelscoil and my parents have a great appreciation for trad music, having met at a céilí at the Willie Clancy summer school.

My mum signed me up for classical violin lessons when I was seven, and the following year I started fiddle and concertina lessons with the local Comhaltas branch. Traditional music came naturally to me from the beginning, and for many years classical music took a backseat. It was only as a teenager, when I began to take part in courses such as Concorda (for chamber music) and the National Youth Orchestra, that I really fell in love with it, and I’ve been addicted ever since.

Orchestral playing is a career path I would love to to pursue. In recent years, I’ve had some memorable experiences, playing with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, L’Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie, the Concertgebouworkest Young and the EUYO. I’m also passionate about quartet playing and have had the pleasure of taking part in the young musician programme of the West Cork Chamber Music Festival in Bantry for the last four years.

I’m very grateful to have been awarded a beautiful instrument by Alexandre Valois, on loan for the next three years, thanks to Music Network’s Instrument Loan Scheme.

Where were you born?

I was born in Cork.

Where do you live?

I’ve lived with my parents in Ballincollig all my life. Although, last year I did an Erasmus in Namur (Belgium), and finally got a taste of the independent life!

Family?

I have one older sister, Maedbh. There is less than two years between us, so we were joined at the hip growing up. She is also a musician, and plays the concertina and silver flute to a high level. She chose not to pursue music as a career and works as a primary school teacher in a gaelscoil in Dublin.

I have two very supportive parents, Ita and Jerry, who have always encouraged me in my decision to pursue music. My dad is from Skibbereen and mum comes from Newry, Co. Down.

Best friend?

It would be difficult for me to name just one, but I’m lucky enough to have a close circle of friends who I’ve met in school, college, and from music courses I’ve done over the years.

Earliest childhood memory?

This is a random one but I vividly remember finding a pair of scissors, hiding under the table, and cutting my hair when I was about three. I hoped my mum wouldn’t notice and I remember her panicking when she brushed my hair a few hours later and it started falling out!

Person you most admire?

Probably my violin teacher, Katherine Hunka - she inspires me both as a musician and a person.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Music has given me so many opportunities to travel over the years. One that stands out was a trip to Cairo with our trad ensemble at MTU Cork School of Music. We were invited to play at the St Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Irish Embassy. We were very well taken care of during our stay - the highlight of the trip would have to have been seeing the pyramids!

Favourite radio show?

I don’t listen to much radio, but I love to tune into Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha’s Ceol Binn ó na Beanna, especially during the first week of July when it is broadcast live from the Willie Clancy Week at Miltown Malbay!

Your signature dish if cooking?

Probably a Thai green curry.

Favourite restaurant?

This is a tricky question because I’m constantly discovering new restaurants in Cork City, but I would have to go with Miyazaki. It’s possible to order food and bring it to O’Sho, a vibrant neighbouring pub. I do a trad gig there every second Saturday with my friends Lily Munday and Abaigeal Walsh, and we often splurge a decent portion of our earnings on Japanese food after the gig, usually the Tori Tatsuta Don, which is absolutely to die for!

Sonflour is another great spot that I’d have to mention.

Last book you read?

Sula, by Toni Morrison

Best book you read?

Almost impossible to choose just one, but I would have to go with A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Ar Thaobh Chill an Fhuairthainn by a very talented friend of mine, Macdara Ó Faoláin. I’ve been listening to it on repeat - it’s a treasure!

One person you would like to see in concert?

Janine Jansen or Itzhak Perlman.

Do you have a pet?

We have one cat, Puiscin, who showed up in our shed about 15 years ago. We started feeding her and she never left!

Morning person or night owl?

Somewhere in between. I really enjoy the peace and quiet of the early morning, and can be very productive when I want to be. Other days, I am notorious for ignoring my alarms and sleeping in! It really depends.

Spendthrift or saver?

Definitely a saver at the moment! I’ll be moving abroad next year to start my masters so every little helps.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Public transport.

What makes you happy?

Simple things. Cosy nights in with friends, having chats over tea and biscuits. Live music. Settling down for the night with a good book. Going for long walks in West Cork with my family. Life as a musician can get overwhelmingly busy at times so I really appreciate these moments.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I recently landed in Grafenegg, Austria, to join the EUYO for their summer tour! Over the next five weeks, we’ll be travelling around Europe, playing concerts in Berlin, Amsterdam and Bolzano. I’ll arrive home at the end of August for a week before I move to The Hague for my masters. So it’s a busy time!

But I’ll be back and forth - for my graduation in October, and for some performances of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly with the INO Orchestra at the Bord Gáis in November.