Claire Turk ~ Violin

Claire began learning the violin at the age of 8 with Shirley Smith and later studied with Nicholas Woodall, who was the Head of Strings at Bromley Youth Music Trust.
After achieving a music scholarship to Eltham College she went on to study the violin at the Royal College of Music with Rodney Friend. During her time at the RCM she performed for the Queen during a visit to the college.

After graduating from the Royal College, Claire was leader of the 2nd violins of the National Musicians Symphony Orchestra and has since been principal violin of the Eltham Community Orchestra, the London School of Economics Orchestra and the Surrey Opera.

Her wide orchestral experience includes work with the the RPO, the RPO Opera Orchestra, the London Concert Orchestra and seven seasons with the Johann Strauss Orchestra with whom she has recorded a CD of Strauss music. She has also played with the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra, the Milton Keynes City Orchestra, Southern Pro Musica, Orchestra of St Johns, London Pro Arte, the New London Sinfonia, the Carl Rosa Opera Company, Chameleon Arts and the Northern Lights Symphony Orchestra.

Memorable performances in recent years include playing in the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra for the opening of Eurostar at St Pancreas station, an appearance with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra for the televised Olympic torch ceremony in London and backing the band 'Procol Harum' in Chelmsford Cathedral with the Chameleon Arts Orchestra.

Claire also teaches the violin both privately and at St Benedicts School in Ealing.Her involvement with the Bromley Youth Music Trust continues, teaching at two schools in the borough, and with many years coaching and directing chamber music ensembles.