It’s been a busy summer for Director of the Mid West Vocal Academy, Tenor Owen Gilhooly.
When most people are unwinding in the summer sun, or rushing to the beach at every available opportunity, Owen relishes his free time so he can concentrate on his solo career.
“I actually love the summer as when I’m not teaching four to five days a week, I can really focus on my own practice and learning, and I try and fit in as much performance as possible and really challenge myself,” Owen smiled.
So far this summer Owen has given performances in Dublin including ‘Waltz of my Heart’ at the DLR LexLcon, an Opera Gala at the Liberties Festival and was guest Tenor at Léran Festival of Music in France.
Owens next big performance will be the title role in Faust for Opera in the Open in Dublin on August 22, and on September 25, he will join the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the National Concert Hall along with other guest soloists which include Celine Byrne and Claudia Boyle, to celebrate Cara O Sullivan in ‘Cara: A Celebration’.
Does Owen ever take a complete break from music or singing to completely switch off?
“Yes, I do, it’s really easy to get burned out from all the demands, so I do take the odd weekend off and I make sure to have some short breaks over the summer too. Vitamin D is essential.
“ Being self employed it’s also sometimes very hard to switch off, so there has to be discipline to rest as well.
“I’m also trying to finish my doctoral thesis, so watch this space, next year I’m hoping to be Dr Gilhooly,” added Owen.
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