Clare Richards

Clare began her musical studies at the The Joan on violin at age 5, and by the age of 16 also began studying classical voice. Her focus shifting just to the voice after finishing high school, completing her exams in 8th grade voice with distinction through Trinity College London, and then continuing onto a Bachelor of Music Performance in Voice from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. A recipient of the Elizabeth Todd Lieder Prize, and with a great passion for new music, Clare was thrilled to round out her time at university, performing Steve Reich's, Music for 18 Musicians with Splash Percussion at the Sydney Verge Festival, and also featuring as Amy, in new musical Just A Second. Also while at university, Clare performed with MUSE, singing as lead soprano in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, and was vocal director of their inaugural compilation show. Clare has also performed as both a chorister and soloist with both the Sydney Philharmonia Choir and St James Cathedral Choirs, touring Melbourne and Singapore with the St James in 2014.

Selected as a young artist for the Canberra International Music Festival, Clare performed alongside the Song Company in various concerts across the capital city, and recently was a participant in the WAAPA International Song Academy. Clare is also a regular performer with the Voci Stupende ensemble, performing concerts in regional New South Wales. Clare continues to work alongside coaches from Opera Australia on various projects, and looks forward to working with young people at The Joan, helping them master the best possible vocal techniques, encouraging the importance of music education, and a love for all sorts of music.