Patrick Healy

Q: I know you like gardening. What other hobbies do you have?
A: Theatre

Q: As you live in England and love gardening, is there one particular
Gilbert and Sullivan performance or song that reminds you of your
home in England and/or your childhood In Ireland? Can you tell us
about that performance or song?
A: Not really...not Gilbert and Sullivan. But there is a song that reminds
me of my home in England. It's "English Rose" from "Merrie England".

Q: What kind of books do you like to read?
A: Biographies. Particularly of those involved in music. And about actors
and films.

Q: Have you always had a knack for story telling?
A: Yes, I suppose so.

Q: Is there anything musically that you haven't tried, but would like
to try?
A: No, I don't believe so.

Q: I know you studied in Italy for two years. What did you study?
A: Piano and singing.

Q: Do you speak Italian or any other language except English?

A: Yes, Italian.

Q: How do you come to be living in England rather than Ireland?
A: When I finished my studies in Italy, I went to London because that's
where the mainstream activity in the field was. There just wasn't
anything like that in Ireland.

Q: How did your career develop in England?
A: I was with the English Opera Group, working with Benjamin Britten
at the time of his Church Operas at Aldeburgh in Suffolk. That was
for about 1 1/2 years. After that, I was with the Sadler Wells Opera
Group, which later became the English National Opera.

Q: How young were you when you first became interested in Gilbert
and Sullivan?
A: About 10, while I was in school.

Q: What is it about Gilbert and Sullivan that has fascinated you and
managed to hold your interest for so many years?
A: Gilbert and Sullivan were masters in their field...masters of their
craft. There is nothing else like them.

Q: Which is your favorite Gilbert and Sullivan operetta?
A: I have quite a few of them. The one you're working on becomes
your favorite.

Q: Are there any young, classically trained singers in Ireland that we
haven't heard about and should be watching for /
A: I wouldn't really be up on that as I live in England.