Biography

Claire Scholes is a mezzo soprano and composer who lives in Auckland. She graduated from the University of Auckland with a Master of Music with First Class Honours in Composition (studying under Eve De Castro Robinson and John Elmsly) and a Graduate Diploma of Music in Performance Voice (under Te Oti Rakena).

Claire is predominantly known for her vocal writing, and was the New Zealand composer chosen to attend the MODART07 festival in Sydney where vocal ensemble The Song Company premiered her piece Epicene Women. Her choral music has been conducted by Karen Grylls, director of the New Zealand Youth Choir (of which Claire is a former member).

Claire has had pieces performed by the Auckland Chamber Orchestra and workshopped by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and she has regularly been a composer and performer for Auckland-based composer collective The Committee.

Claire has performed and spoken about writing for the voice at a number of conferences and workshops, and spoke at the Melbourne International Animation Festival about her soundtrack for Janette Goodey’s short film ‘Rip’.
Claire has had a number of choral and instrumental commissions from high schools and amateur ensembles. She also works as an arranger, and teaches singing and piano privately.

Awards:
Douglas Mews prize for choral composition, University of Auckland, 2006
1st runner-up in University of Auckland Exposure Post Graduate Awards 2006 (Live Performance)
University of Auckland Douglas Lilburn Trust Composition Prize Concert 2002: winner of Audience’s Choice prize, 2nd place overall

Selected Works

• Works (6)