About

I play the viola da gamba, and gained an MMus(Performance), with Distinction, at Southampton University in 2017. 

I studied painting at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art (St Edmund Hall, Oxford 1986-9), Goldsmiths, London (1990-1) and the Academy of Fine Art, Prague (1991-2) whilst playing the cello…. and then borrowed a viol and found myself where I am now. 

It is such a privilege to play with wonderful musicians in a few very special ensembles and have enjoyed being a guest for the London Handel Singers, Musical and Amicable Society, Orchestra Da Camera and Chelys Viol Consort.

Biography

Claire gained a Master of Music degree in performance on the viola da gamba with distinction in 2017, studying with Elizabeth Kenny and Jonathan Manson at Southampton University.  

She did her first degree in Fine Art at Oxford University but spent a good deal of time there playing the ‘cello and furthering her love of early music and interest in historical performance practice.

After 20 years teaching art and bringing up her family, she now combines working as a freelance performer on both baroque and renaissance viols, as well as, when time allows, painting.

She is a member of the Linarol Consort of Renaissance Viols, founded by David Hatcher, which specialises in the repertoire of 16th century middle Europe, Ensemble Échos, a baroque chamber group formed by postgraduate students from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Spinacino Consort. She recently performed in the UK premiere of a newly attributed cantata, Ariane Consolée Par Bacchus by François Couperin on his 350th birthday.