What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Peace and quiet in the countryside.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
The inventor of the clarinet, Johann Christopher Denner…still trying to get it right!
Which living person do you most admire?
Greta Thünberg.
Which is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Not practicing enough.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Really high quality food.
What is your favourite journey?
To the south of France, that first sight of Nice from the sky.
On what occasion do you lie?
I never lie…
Which living person do you most despise?
Not fond of Donald Trump.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My wife Marzena.
When and where were you happiest?
On the birth of my children.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To be able to dive and swim in the sea.
What is your current state of mind?
Sorry, I’m too busy doing this survey…
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Still playing and conducting after so many years…
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?
I’d like to come back as a teddy bear, indestructible and always loved and hugged.
What is your most treasured possession?
A great clarinet reed, whenever I can find one!
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
When someone close to you dies
What is your favourite occupation?
Music!
What is the quality you most like in a man?
To be clear and straightforward with no hidden agendas.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
The same and also to be good company.
Who are your favourite writers?
Currently reading Anita Brookner, Ian McEwan, and Sebastian Faulkes.
What is your motto?
I owe, I owe, so off to work I go…
John Finucane is one of Ireland's leading clarinetists and conductors. He performs as part of Music for Galway's midwinter festival, Stanford, from January 21 to 23 in the Town Hall Theatre and St Nicholas' Collegiate Church. See musicforgalway.ie
