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Music Through The Ages

Claire Sanderson


Regions:
Cornwall, Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Semi-professional
Fee:
Paid: £75 per talk. If in person, expenses to be negotiated.
Category:
History
Updated:
11th May 2026

Nowadays we tend to think of all ‘serious’ music as classical, but Classical is actually only one era in the rich history of music. Let Claire take you back in time to discover how music has evolved through the ages. Learn how to recognise music from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern eras. Claire will introduce you to the key composers of each time, and discuss how the role of a composer within society evolved.
Meet famous names like Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. Find out who accused Mozart of writing “too many notes” and explore the mystery of his Requiem. Learn how Beethoven composed music when he lost his hearing, and the impact this had upon his music. We will also explore how instruments and the orchestra evolved through history.
These talks are aimed at everyone, you do not need to play an instrument or understand music theory. Join us on our tour of musical history! Talk 1 - Medieval (1150 - 1400) & Renaissance (1400 - 1600) Talk 2 - Baroque (1600 - 1750) Talk 3 - Classical (1750 - 1830) Talk 4 - Romantic (1830 - 1920) Talk 5 - 20th and 21st century (1920-present)

Available as a series, or as individual talks.

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About 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.


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