Catherine McCarthy, violin

When did you join the National Symphony Orchestra?

1984, so the year just ended was a special one for me, marking my 40th year as a member of the orchestra.

Where did you study?

Cork.

What do you enjoy most about being in the NSO?

The opportunity to play the vast symphonic repertoire.

Why did you choose to play your instrument?

I began playing the violin aged six. The Suzuki Method was launched in Cork in the late 1960s by the the Lane sisters. They came to my school, gave us instruments. That’s where it all started. I continued my violin studies in the Cork School of Music with Una Kindlon, while studying for a BMus in UCC, combined with a year of computer programming and statistics.

Who is your favourite composer and what is your favourite work?

Bach. I can’t single any one work out – too many masterpieces. Mahler is also there for me, in particular the First Symphony – I adore it, it brings back fond memories playing it with the Irish Youth Orchestra.

What is your greatest achievement – musical or general?

Hopefully being a good Mum (but you’d have to run that by my kids).

What is the best piece of advice you ever received – musical or general?

Always try to be kind, as you never know what’s going on in people’s lives.

Tell us your favourite NSO story/memory so far.

Looking back over the years, stand-out memories would be the German tours, working with Bryden Thompson, and all the amazing concerts we did with him and his dry sense of humour!

Do you have any secret talents?

Not sure about that, but people tell me I’m a good cook, and I love to bake.