John O’Brien: 'Being an artist is hard. Nobody is in it for the money'
John O’Brien curates the three 'Music of…' concerts at the Everyman in Cork. Picture: Marcin Lewandowski
An upcoming series of concerts at the Everyman, directed by renowned Cork musician John O’Brien, will explore music linked by the different feelings it evokes rather than by era. This sonic voyage of classical, contemporary, pop, traditional and jazz music features mezzo soprano Niamh O’Sullivan singing songs of sadness and comfort. There will also be music of love and heartache performed by Molly Lynch, and Karen Underwood will sing songs of faith and doubt. The Ora Quartet will play at the concerts.
Asked for his favourite sad song, O’Brien says currently, he likes Joni Mitchell’s 'Both Sides Now' and Randy Newman’s 'I Think It’s Going to Rain Today'. But it’s a movable feast, a bit like his career. O’Brien, who has been working as a freelance director, composer and conductor from his native city for over 20 years, says it’s necessary to be an all-rounder in his field.
