Your Choir Leader is:
Claire Watkins
Claire is a professional opera singer, musician, workshop leader and animateur based in the Vale of Glamorgan. Having trained at the Royal Academy of Music, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff University, she has over 20 years musical experience both on and off the stage.
Claire has performed many roles across main stages with UK opera companies and her colourful musical experiences have taken her to many parts of the world, performing globally alongside those of other nationalities, all united by singing. ,She brings a vast knowledge, professionalism, encouragement and strong work ethic which she gladly shares with those she works with.
Claire was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2016 after suffering with PND and panic attacks, and is a fervent believer that singing, making and sharing music with others is integral to the management of her mental health. Claire also helps manage her mental health by spending time in nature and the world around her, and is a keen gardener, walker and wild swimmer.
Claire is equally at home on the stage as in the classroom, sharing her joy of performing and her deep love of music with people of all ages, teaching music to early years children in SEND schools or to retired people. A big part of Claire’s personality and talent is caring for and sharing with others her unique gift of music; so she is enthusiastic and excited to be creating and leading the first SOS choirs in Wales, the Land of Song, starting autumn 2021.
