Claire Weston
Our Director:
Our Director is Claire Weston, Head of Singing at Woodbridge School, and former Principal with the English National Opera.
We are extremely privileged to have as our Musical DirectorClaire Weston. Her insight and teaching skill make every rehearsal a master class in singing and ensure every piece sounds slick and professional. Claire graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 1996, winning many prestigious prizes. Following postgraduate studies, Claire joined English National Opera as Principal Artist in 1999, taking on numerous leading roles including performing in operas such as Mozart's Don Giovanni and Verdi's Ernani. In 2004, Claire was the first ever classical artist to perform on the main stage at Glastonbury, her debut performance using a microphone.
After a distinguished opera career, Claire moved to Suffolk and took up teaching to encourage others in her great love of singing and music. She is currently Head of Singing in the Music Department of Woodbridge School where she continues to make a huge impact as a well-loved and inspirational teacher. After moving to Suffolk, she became the singing teacher of Ed Sheeran who studied with Claire for five years before going on to have global fame!
Claire took over as Music Director of Suffolk Singers in 2010, enabling the choir to benefit from her exceptional talent and energy and importantly, her personal experience as a singer. Claire also works freelance to teach where she is much in demand, as well as continuing to perform as a recitalist when time permits. Alongside her burning passion for music-making and technique, she is an excellent cook, enjoys creative hobbies and is the adored owner of several dogs. Claire is a lot of fun and enthusiastically participates in any social occasion organised by Suffolk Singers.
