Featured Singer: Claire Maude

Do you have a role model that inspired you to go into music?

Emma Kirkby was the first voice I heard that made me think "huh, I guess you can be a classical singer without sounding like Maria Callas."

How did you get interested in Early Music?

My mom had The King's Singer's English Renaissance album when I was a kid, and for whatever reason the sound of Tudor church music really caught my ear. I used to listen to it on repeat while falling asleep and imagining I lived in a castle or something. I really "fell" for Early Music in college; my school's chamber ensemble did an early music concert in the spring each year, which was always a highlight for me. My first church gig was also heavily focused on renaissance music and chant, which deepened my appreciation.

Do you play any instruments in addition to singing?

I play piano quite badly considering how long I studied it, and took a semester of harpsichord in college for fun. I also can play about four chords on the guitar and like to take out a tin whistle once a year on St. Patrick's day. So...not really.

Do you have a favorite piece or concert you've sung with Marion Consort?

I'm really loving the chant on this concert. It's a bit rare to have the opportunity to sing this much chant, and it's a style of singing unlike any other. You have to read and listen to your fellow singers in a different way than you do on polyphony - it feels like a deeper sort of connection. It's also a bit terrifying as there's no way to hide any mistakes or hesitancies on such simple, exposed lines.