Rising young Irish conductor Killian Farrell will conduct Irish Chamber Orchestra's The Stones of Life at University Concert Hall, Limerick, and the Whyte Recital Hall, RIAM, Dublin on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 February. We asked Killian the BIG questions . . .
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m a musician from Dublin, I have lived in Germany since 2017, and I have no pets.
How would you describe your music?
The wonderful thing about classical music is that it can express every possible feeling and mood. In the concert that I will conduct with the ICO, the music is incredibly joyous and uplifting, particularly the symphony by Mozart that will finish our programme.
Announcing our Spring/Summer 2024 season!
— Irish Chamber Orchestra (@ICOrchestra) December 5, 2023
From February, we'll be taking you on another incredible musical voyage.
Explore the full programme: https://t.co/oun93S4GMZ#whatson #RTESupportingthearts @RTElyricfm @rte @artscouncil_ie pic.twitter.com/MhDfL1Tfvy
Who are your musical inspirations?
I am incredibly privileged to get to work with many wonderful musicians, and I take inspiration from all of them in different ways. But of course, the composers who left us the sublime music that we are fortunate enough to perform are my main inspirations.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first concert that I really remember going to was the Russian pianist Boris Berezovsky playing Rachmaninov’s monstrously difficult Third Piano Concerto, in the National Concert Hall in Dublin. I was probably around 11 at that time, and it really changed my life.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The Preludes of Frédéric Chopin, played by Artur Rubinstein!
What’s your favourite song right now?
It depends on what music I’m conducting that week!
Favourite lyric of all time?
'Die Zeit, sie ist ein sonderbar Ding.’ (time is a very special thing). That’s from Richard Strauss’ opera Der Rosenkavalier.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
There is too much music to choose from! But maybe the opening Sinfonia of Bach’s Actus Tragicus cantata.
Where can people find your music/more information?
On my website.
Alan Corr
