Claire Howard Race

Claire Howard Race obtained her Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours in Piano Performance with teacher Colin Spiers, and the University Medal from Newcastle Conservatorium, NSW. She continued her postgraduate piano accompaniment studies at the Canberra School of Music and then the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, where she was awarded the Broadwood Junior Piano Accompanist Fellowship. She subsequently earned a Master of Music in Performance and Research with Distinction from the Royal Academy of Music, London, studying accompaniment with Malcolm Martineau and Iain Ledingham.

She has performed to acclaim in song recitals with artists including Deborah Humble, Mariana Hong (Hye Seoung Kwon) and Ghillian Sullivan. From 2017 to 2021 she held the position of Assistant Chorus Master and Principal Rehearsal Pianist for Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, and in 2021 performed in the two pianos and percussion arrangement of Carmina Burana. Performances have included Ola Gjeilo’s Luminous Night of the Soul for the Sydney Festival, and the Sydney premiere of Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil at Sydney Opera House, together with the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, cellist Julian Smiles & conducted by the composer.

Her pianism has been described as “an exceptional display” (Limelight Review), “truly superb playing” (Deborah Humble) and “beautiful music making, timing and texture and patience” (Simon Keenleyside). Claire has recorded for ABC Classic playing music by Australian composer Paul Smith and pursues a passion for chamber music working with the Sirius Chamber Ensemble. She has recently been appointed as College Accompanist to Pymble Ladies’ College, Sydney.

Image credit: Kurt Sneddon

AT THE FESTIVAL

  • Opera Cocktails

    Friday August 9, 5.30pm Our annual favourite Opera Cocktails takes place in “The Barn” at beautiful Stanley Park, with wonderful artists from Opera Australia and the marvellous Claire Howard Race on piano.


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