Claire Newton

Claire currently plays with numerous Orchestras such as the Philharmonia and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. She has been Guest Principal with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and has had the pleasure of working with The Halle, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Welsh National Opera, Manchester Camerata and Opera North. A finalist in RNCM's 'Hirsch Prize', and winner of RNCM's 'Song Cycle Prize', she relishes the opportunity to perform chamber music, having recently performed alongside the London Sinfonietta, The Nash Ensemble, and played with the Brodsky Quartet at Kings Place.

The 'Vuillaume Quartet', with whom she plays with regularly have won the Elias Fawcett Prize, were Very Highly Commended in the Wolfe Wolfinsohn Prize, and performed at St Martin in the Fields, Colston Hall and Drapers Hall. Claire has recently been awarded a place with the London Sinfonietta Academy for 2015.

Her awards include the ABRSM Scholarship and the Sir John Barbirolli Prize for Post Graduate Study at the Royal Academy of Music, and is generously supported by the Stephen Bell Charitable Trust, The Countess of Munster Musical Trust, the Craxton Memorial fund, recipient of a Musicians Benevolent Fund Postgraduate Performance Award, and first place in RNCM's Cecil Aronowitz Viola Prize.

With a firm belief in the benefits of Music education, Claire has coached at Pro Corda's Senior and Primary Courses and works for the Junior Royal Academy's 'First string experience' scheme. Other work includes assisting on the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's 'In Harmony' Project at West Everton Primary school, which is inspired by Venezuela's El Sistema method, and music in healthcare projects at Manchester Childrens Hospital and residential centres for people with complex needs.