Finghin Collins - pianist
What’s your earliest holiday memory?
We used to go to my grandparents’ farm in west Cork every August for two weeks. I grew up in suburban Dublin and it was so different to the daily grind of school and piano practice. I would be fascinated with the milking parlour and seeing the farm in action.
What was your worst holiday?
I haven’t had any disastrous holidays. But a few years ago I went to the Lake District in December. It was the wrong time of year to go, as it was very wet, dark, and wintery. It was dangerous and a bit stressful at times as you drove up a mountain pass at 2pm and the day was closing in. But it was a beautiful area.
What was your best holiday?
I travel a lot when performing and take a few days off after a tour to sightsee. A tour of Korea in 2009 was a real eye-opener, very different and enjoyable. I got a chance to see old palaces, experience the culture, language and food. Sometimes travelling to perform brings you places you would not choose to go but that you realise are quite interesting. Greece is my favourite holiday place, with fabulous ancient ruins, sandy beaches, sun, cheap food and great hotels.
If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?
I’m hankering to go to the Caribbean. I’d like to visit Guadeloupe and Martinique as they are both part of the overseas territory of France. I love France, love to speak French, so love the notion of a little France in the Caribbean with amazing beaches and weather. I like to speak the language when I travel as you get to communicate with people on a deeper level.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?
I like travelling in a group. Last summer I went to Prague and Vienna with 20 other music lovers. You get to know people and there is a great dynamic travelling with a group. You get to talk to lots of different people at different levels.
I also travelled a lot with my mother over the years. She came with me to many performances as a teenager. We get on well on holidays together and seem to want to do the same things.
What’s your favourite place in Ireland?
I bought an old farmhouse in rural Co Kilkenny a few years ago. I am a big fan of the River Barrow; it’s an undiscovered gem and is not overcrowded. I love the scenery, the quietness and beauty of going down the Barrow on a boat on a sunny August day.
Going through the locks takes so long you do about five miles a day. It’s a pleasure. The area between Carlow and New Ross around Graiguenamanagh, Borris and Brandon Hill, is just the most beautiful part of Ireland.
Your recommended holiday reading?
I tend to read a lot all of the time so holidays are no different for me. I am in the middle of Skippy Dies by Paul Murray. It’s an ideal holiday read as it’s quite light, while it’s also an intelligent and very entertaining book set in a south Dublin school.
Where will you go to next?
I’m going to Monte Carlo in April to play at a big festival so hopefully I manage to stay on for a couple of days.
* Finghin Collins will give his first two-piano recital with his former teacher and mentor John O’Conor at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, on February 10th.
* In conversation with
GENEVIEVE CARBERY