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Forgotten Greats and One Hit Wonders: Rediscovering the Composers History Forgot

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:
Entertainment
Updated:
12th May 2026

Forgotten Greats and One Hit Wonders: Rediscovering the Composers History Forgot For every classical composer who is a household name today, there are many more who have been forgotten along the way, or are remembered for only one or two works. Join Claire as she rediscovers some of these overlooked masters. You will not need any prior musical knowledge to enjoy these talks. • Antonio Salieri (1750–1825): The Man Behind the Myth — What We Lost When We Reduced Him to a Villain • Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791–1864): The Rise and Fall of the Most Famous Composer You’ve Never Heard Of • Alexander Borodin (1833–1887): The Composer Who Didn’t Have Time to Compose • Max Bruch (1838–1920): The curse of a single masterpiece. • Frank Bridge (1879 –1941): More then Britten’s teacher

Available as individual hour long talks or a 5 part series.

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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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