Details of talks given by Claire Sanderson
I was born and raised in Cornwall, where music, stories, and the sea shaped my earliest sense of the world. My path eventually led me to Cardiff to study for my music degree, and I’ve stayed ever since, drawn in by the city’s energy, its creative communities, and the chance to keep exploring the art of performance from every angle.
My specialisms include recital and ensemble work, historical performance practice, and the wonderfully dramatic world of 19th‑century opera. Today, I’m the Sub‑Principal Viola of the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, and I also play as a multi‑instrumentalist with the brilliantly eccentric band The Withering Raspberries. Alongside performing, I was a regular host for Rest Less Events.
Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. Whether I’m talking about a symphony, an opera, or a forgotten gem of a composer, my aim is always the same: to bring the music to life and make it welcoming for everyone—especially those with no prior musical knowledge. If you’re curious, you’re already in the right place.
When I’m not immersed in music, you’ll often find me practising archery, wandering outdoors (usually stopping to feed any ducks I encounter), or disappearing into the worlds of my favourite fantasy novels and films.