ABOUT
Shauna Claire
Shauna Claire is a young and dynamic lyric coloratura soprano from Dublin, Ireland. Her remarkable journey to operatic success is already adorned with numerous international awards, marking her as one to watch in the world of opera.
Her ethereal soprano voice and commanding stage presence have captivated audiences since her debut as Tytania in Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream with Ardingley International Music in Eastbourne, England. Shauna has since performed across Europe in notable roles such as Nanetta in Falstaff, Marzelline in Fidelio, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Poppea in L'incoronazione di Poppea, Najade in Ariadne auf Naxos, and Oberto in Alcina with the Handel Opera Company in Tarnowskie Gory, Poland. Her recent role as Cis Power in the world premiere of Stephen McNeff's Spirits Unsurrendered solidified her reputation as a rising star in Irish opera.
Shauna's journey of artistic refinement began at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London under the mentorship of Kathleen Livingstone. She later returned to Ireland to study with the legendary Dr. Veronica (Ronnie) Dunne, becoming Ronnie's last protégé. Shauna continues to hone her craft at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, guided by Sylvia O'Regan (former head of Vocal and Opera at RIAM), Dr. Dearbhla Collins, and Dr. Andrew Synnott.
Beyond the operatic stage, Shauna is passionate about acting, studying at the Lir Academy in Dublin under Sue Mythen and Cathal Quinn. Her array of awards includes multiple prizes at the Dublin Feis Ceoil, the Margaret Burke-Sheridan Trophy, awards at the Sligo Feis Ceoil and the Arklow Music Festival, the John McCormack bursary, and finalist status in the Catherine Judge Memorial Award.
Shauna has received scholarships from prestigious institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the Birmingham Conservatoire, the Royal Northern College of Music, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, underscoring her exceptional talent. Throughout her studies, she has contributed to the Lyric Opera Ireland's chorus and covered roles such as Marzelline in Beethoven's Fidelio. Her collaborations with esteemed companies like Irish National Opera, Lyric Opera Ireland, Saluzzo Opera Academy, Berlin Opera Academy, Handel Opera Academy, and Ardingley International Music Festival have further enriched her artistic journey.
Shauna's solo performances in concert and choral settings are widely celebrated. She has worked with renowned conductor John Hancorn, delivering ethereal soprano solos in Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music. She has also performed James Whitbourn’s Annelies, a powerful piece for soprano soloist and SATB chorale, in collaboration with the Holocaust Society of Ireland under the direction of Blanaid Murphy.
Shauna is a passionate advocate for various charitable causes, actively engaging in community outreach both locally and abroad. Each Christmas, she and her family bring joy to the homeless in Dublin's RDS with a festive dinner and an enchanting concert. Shauna is also committed to animal welfare, supporting various shelters and charities, and even completed a charity skydive with the Irish Blue Cross and PETA in 2015.
Her personal resilience shines through her triumph over Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Learning to walk again after two years of being wheelchair-bound, Shauna's journey is an inspiring testament to her unwavering spirit.
With over 11,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Shauna is not just an emerging talent but a digital siren. As the host of The PROArtist Academy podcast, she facilitates insightful conversations with fellow artists and provides an educational platform for young professional musicians. Her loyal online community has led to brand ambassadorships and partnerships with industry giants like Charlotte Tilbury and ASOS.
Shauna Claire is more than a promising talent; she is a compassionate advocate and an artist to watch.