- DURATION 60 mins
Event Description
Today, we revere classical composers for their music, but it’s easy to forget that they were just ordinary people; they were just as clueless and vulnerable as the rest of us when it came to affairs of the heart – as well as being subject to the strict social rules of their times.
Join Claire as she peaks behind the curtains into the personal lives of some of the world’s most famous and respected composers. Learn how both Haydn and Schubert were denied the loves of their lives, and the disastrous consequences. Discover how one of the most significant works of the 19th Century was the direct result of unrequited love. Hear how Edward Elgar’s wife, Alice, gave up everything to marry him. Meet the rebellious, indomitable, composer and suffragette Ethel Smyth, whose love affairs included Oscar Wilde’s brother, and Virginia Woolf. And, of course, explore how these experiences influenced their works.
This event is designed for anyone who is interested in music, regardless of their music background or instrumental skills.
- Duration: 60 mins
- Online Zoom event: Join from your computer, phone or tablet (no replay available)
Meet the Host, Claire
Born and raised in Cornwall, Claire came to Cardiff to undertake a music degree at the University of Wales, Cardiff.
She graduated in 2003, with specialisms in recital, ensemble, performance practice, and 19th Century opera; her dissertation subject was Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.
Claire plays the viola in the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, with whom she has worked with performers including Brian Blessed and Michael Sheen, and also writes programme notes for the orchestra. For several years she was Principal Viola at the Harlech Orchestral Summer School, where she performed many major orchestral solos.
Claire loves all kinds of music. She plays the violin, ukulele, banjolele, and sings in The Withering Raspberries; ukulele and banjolele in The Ukulele Wolves; and sings in Quaynotes Choir. In 2010 she played viola on the UK top 30 album Dirt by Kids In Glass Houses. She also plays the piano, mandolin, and guitar.
Claire believes passionately that music belongs to everyone, and especially enjoys bringing to life the stories of composers and their works.
More Information
What if I can’t make the event?
If a recording’s available for the event, you can still register for it and we will send you an email with a link to a recording shortly after it ends.
Will my camera be on and will I be visible to the other people?
Your camera and microphone does not need to be on for you to enjoy the event. The choice about whether to do this is completely yours.
How do I watch the live event?
Rest Less events are hosted on Zoom, a computer application that allows you to attend online events just by clicking a link. For detailed instructions, please go to our "FAQ" page, which you can find a link to in the nav bar at the top of the page.
How do I sign-up for and access the recording? (Recorded events only)
Book the event as normal (as if you are attending live). After the event ends you will automatically receive a post-event email with a link to the recording, as long as the event was recorded. You do not need to do anything else and there is no separate booking process for recordings only. Please note it can take up to 24 hours for Zoom to process recordings.