In perfect harmony

Catherine Leonard, one of Ireland’s leading violinists, performs at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, which takes place in Bantry from Jun 29 to Jul 7.

From Cork, Catherine went to the US on a Fulbright scholarship aged 18. Now in her late 30s, she’s a regular at Ireland’s prominent festivals and has appeared at , the Perth International Chamber Music Festival, the City of London Chamber Music Festival, the Concertgebouw, in Amsterdam, and Wigmore Hall, in London.

She will join pianist Hugh Tinney for the late-night concert in Bantry House this Sunday, Jul 1, at 10.30pm. Catherine joins marimba player Ji Hye Jung for a performance of Bartók’s Six Romanian Dances at 8pm next Tuesday, Jul 3, in St Brendan’s church, Bantry.

“I’ve been at the Bantry festival quite a lot over the years. It’s a very special place and I’m looking forward to hanging out with musical colleagues and the audiences. I adore playing with Hugh Tinney — there’s a great comfort factor when you know the person. And it will be very special playing with Ji Hye Jung. She’s a colleague and a very good friend”

Catherine lives in Dublin and California. Has living there prompted her to be healthier? “It influenced me more when I was younger, when I was 18 and at college and realised that people looked out for their weight. I started going to a gym.”

For more on the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, visit www.westcorkmusic.ie or phone [phone].

What shape are you in?

I’m moderately fit. I don’t overdo anything. I don’t eat too much, but I love my food. When I’m in Dublin, I visit the gym beside my house, though I prefer to exercise outdoors. Running on the beach is my favourite exercise.

Do you have any health concerns?

Nothing for now, luckily. There are heart issues in my family — my grandmother had heart problems and my grandfather died of a heart attack in his 50s. So I’d be aware of that and also of high cholesterol, which runs in my family.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I’m pretty good with breakfast. I eat porridge with flaxseed oil drizzled on top. I love it, so it’s not a chore to make it in the morning.

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate’s a daily requirement. I take the very dark kind, so that’s not really a guilty vice. I could also eat three bowls of pasta in one sitting.

What would keep you awake at night?

I’m a good sleeper but I’m quite often jet-lagged. If I’m awake with jet lag, the normal worries of life, about work and family, would be on my mind.

How do you relax?

I like to walk around any city I’m performing in. Watching an episode of Mad Men also relaxes me.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Michelle and Barack Obama — they’re both completely fabulous.

What’s your favourite smell?

Fresh coffee and freshly-baked bread.

What would you change about your appearance?

I wouldn’t mind darker skin, so I wouldn’t burn when I sunbathe.

When did you last cry?

Probably over some cheesy movie. I remember watching Love Story when I was younger and crying through the whole thing.

What trait do you least like in others?

Falseness.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I could be more pushy for the career that I’m in, but you are who you are.

Do you pray?

I think about people close to me who have passed away — maybe I ask them for things.

What would cheer up your day?

My nieces and nephews — I’ve got 14 of them.