In this issue we were privileged enough to speak with opera singer and Hawkinge resident Sophie Claire who talks to us about the dedication and training needed to be successful in her field of work.
Although born in England, Sophie Claire has lived abroad most of her life, travelling with her parents to a range of countries such as Spain, France, Belgium, America, Canada, Portugal and South Africa, allowing her to experience different languages, cultures and music from a young age.
With the mix of different cultures and locations, Sophie explained the travelling has helped her study in some prestigious Conservatories over the years, from The Royal Superior Conservatoire of Madrid (Spain), and The Superior Opera School of Madrid (Spain), to The Regional Conservatoire of Caen (France) and the Royal Northern College of Music here in the UK.0
What are some of your earliest memories and experiences with music, and did these help inspire a life-long passion for music?
“I would say that three things stood out for me from my childhood experiences with music. The first was how good and natural it felt to sing in public. A little while after, I clearly recall watching an opera singer on television for the first time at the age of nine. It was then that I knew what I wanted to be when I was older, although this ambition always went hand in hand with being a pianist. Lastly, it was the relationship my parents had with music. They shared a deep romantic connection that was almost embodied by a range of pieces, in particular Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto no.2.”
What sort of training and practice comes with being an opera singer?
“Years of vocal training, studying music theory, languages and acting plus immense dedication are required to become a good opera singer. One has to be willing to move country, travel and make the chosen career a priority in order to succeed.
“It is important to work closely with vocal coaches and répétiteurs and looking after oneself is a must in order to keep well and have a healthy singing technique, which would prevent any damage to the chords. Knowing which repertoire to sing is also crucial to ensure a healthy voice.
“Practising will not only involve singing, but also analysing the character of an opera, the era it was written in, the music and the lyrics, which are mostly in foreign languages. Daily warm ups and singing practise are also necessary in order for the muscles to gain strength and for the singer to control the voice.”
What are some of the joys and benefits that come from opera singing and playing the piano?
“The greatest joy for me is performing. I find it to be a very satisfying and moving experience that allows me to share a deep personal connection with an audience. Music is certainly a tonic for the soul, which has proven to be therapeutic and stress relieving. It is also fantastic for children as it enhances their brain development.”
What is the best advice you’ve been given and would pass on to any younger budding musicians?
“For me there have been three key pieces of advice that have always helped: to really look after yourself and focus on one’s personal growth, not be afraid to be different or do things differently and remember that a great deal of hard work and mental discipline are required to be successful.”
Who are some of your greatest inspirations and what are your 3 Desert Island Discs?
“Jessye Norman’s incredible technique and eloquence have certainly been an inspiration, as has working with the mezzo-soprano Louise Winter due to her nurturing and down to earth personality and focus on personal growth, which always reflects in the voice.
“For me they would have to be “Fórmula” Vol.2 by Romeo Santos as I always find myself listening to his bachata songs, Jessye Norman’s Album of Songs by Richard Strauss, which I find transcending, and any Christmas Hits album as it reminds me of being with family.”