1. When did you think about music as a career and what were your first steps into it?
From the age of five I was attracted to music and started playing the piano by ear. I had the good fortune of also learning the clarinet, cello and organ. Queen’s University and the Belfast School of Music were very encouraging and I got roped into a lot of musical endeavours including a jazz band and a baroque string group.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to?
Tom Jones was incredible when we heard him in Paris. I reluctantly went to Tokio Hotel with my children but had a great time, although it was quite loud. And all of my concerts are memorable as you must put your heart and soul into it and you never know what will happen on the night.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
I've always adored Abba; they are great songwriters and performers.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island?
Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde with Jon Vickers as Tristan. I saw him many times at Covent Garden in London singing this role and it was earth shattering every time.
5. And the book you’d take to a desert island?
Juno and the Paycock because this is a seminal work about people, about social issues and political struggles. O'Casey was an amazing genius and with a few words, rather like Mozart, could bring human issues to life.
6. Top three films?
Goodfellas, Groundhog Day and a recent film called Passengers.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
Pirates of the Caribbean. Such a shame to waste the acting talents of Johnny Depp on a very flimsy story.
8. Favourite authors?
Thomas Hardy, Seamus Heaney and Marcel Pagnol. Seamus was a master with words and I had the good fortune and honour to know him and collaborate on the Five Fables project.
9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?
I enjoy running, swimming and cycling when I find the time. I go to the Six Nations and love seeing Ireland do well.
10. Ideal holiday destination?
Lubéron, in Provence, in southern France and Rome with my family at Christmas.
11. Pet hate?
Snobbism. I think we’re all on this planet to be together and help each other.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Sole Mernière.
Dessert? When I’m in Germany I like their mousse au chocolat.
Drink? A glass of Chablis Grand Cru.
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
I have two or three best friends that I have known since I was in college and we are still close today even though we live in different parts of the world.
14. Is there a God?
I have seen godlike behaviour and ungodly behaviour in human beings, so the debate is still raging.
:: Barry Douglas is the artistic director of the Clandeboye Festival. The 2017 festival has a French theme and runs from August 11 to 19 at Clandeboye Cottages, Bangor. Tickets are available for all events apart from the closing gala from the Grand Opera House box office and online at goh.co.uk
