CROMWELL - Like most creatives, Richard William Donohue feels that �"insufficient time” is a constant challenge in being able to do all that he aspires creatively and musically.

       Although, that might just be his own humble, inner critic talking; Donahue holds degrees in music from Wesleyan and Yale Universities and is an accomplished organist, pianist, tenor and published composer. He is the founder of the Donohue Studio of Music in Cromwell, where he teaches piano, voice, organ, music theory, and music history.

       Founded in 1961, The Donahue Studio has been a source of musical instruction and inspiration for adults and children for 63 years. Yes, that means Donahue was just 14 years old when the studio first opened its doors! Surprisingly, he was the first musician in his family. His father was â€�"an untutored singer and his mother played slightly at the piano.”

       Donahue also serves as music director and conductor of the New England Chamber Choir & Orchestra and he is the director of music at the Church of St. Peter in Higganum. For his most recent musical project, Donahue has completed a setting of the Catholic prayer â€�"Hail Holy Queen,” which will be performed by the New England Chamber Choir in an upcoming Easter concert. Donahue has dedicated this new piece to his wife, who passed away in April of last year.

       At 78 years young, Donahue has been a devoted resident of Cromwell. He is most inspired by the pursuit of excellence in all things, be it music or literature or one’s way of living life itself. The Chronicle is honored to share this snapshot of Donahue’s life and musical experiences with readers. We’re sure you will be inspired!

      

       How did you get started in music?

       It was Christmas, I was five. My mother was upstairs cleaning and I was lying on a couch downstairs listening to the radio. They played â€�"Jingle Bells.” Although I had not previously touched our piano, I went in the living room and played â€�"Jingle Bells” with twohands. My mother, alarmed, ran down the stairs to see who had come in. Lessons began shortly thereafter.

      

       Who most influenced or encouraged your interests in music and the arts?

       My teacher, mentor and very close friend was Anna Anderson Doering, local piano teacher and director of music at the First Congregational Church for over 55 years.

      

       What has been the greatest reward?

       Although I do not assign rank in rewards, there have been many significant blessings: The New England Chamber Choir has become a world-class musical organization in a small town. The Children’s Choir at Saint Peter Church has been a surprising, compelling exercise in musical achievement and of [a mutual love of music] between an old man and very young children. Although often employed as a solo tenor, my primary musical love is the piano: Playing all 32 Beethoven piano sonatas for an audience stands out. Having music published was very encouraging.

      

       What has been the greatest challenge in studying, and later teaching, your craft?

       Overwhelmingly, sufficient time.

      

       What sources do you draw upon for inspiration?

       Excellence, of course. Excellence in writing--I particularly enjoy the works of George Eliot, Dickens and Henry James. And in Philosophy, the greats thinkers like Aristotle, Montaigne. Musically, Rubenstein stands out for me, out of all pianists. I am equally inspired by living all of my life in a 1795 house, which I have been restoring continually since 1957. On another track, much of what perks me up is what I term ‘negative inspiration.’ I see something and resolve not to do that or to be that way. It is odd, but it is pervasive.

      

       What are your current musical works-in-progress?

       Music for Lent and Easter XLI with the New England Chamber Choir is, like all their concerts, tremendously absorbing, worrisome and finally elating.

      

       What would you like to share with others who may be hesitant to explore their creativity or interest in music and the arts?

       I would advise to be long on principle and short on goals. The minute one sets up a goal one creates the possibility of failure. Music is not the NFL. No winners, no losers. The principle is a continuum of seeking for excellence. Time is to be measured in decades.

      

       Learn More:

       Studio: www.donohuestudios.com

      

       www.donohuestudios.com

      

       New England Chamber Choir: www.donohuestudios.com

      

       The Cromwell Arts Alliance will show their support for local artists like Richard William Donohue by featuring images of their works on the Alliance Facebook page, www.donohuestudios.com