Clare O'Neill - Musical Director Mad Hatters Music entered the wonderful and sometimes weird world of Opera Singing after achieving her music degree at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Since leaving college she has been lucky enough to work with all the major opera companies in Britain, she has a special fondness for Welsh National Opera because this was one of her first ‘proper’ jobs. She has experienced life both as a chorister and later as a soloist, her roles include Madam Butterfly (Puccini), Musetta (La Boheme, Puccini) and Zerlina (Don Giovanni, Mozart) she has sung in many oratorios and concerts including Soprano Soloist in Mahler’s 8th Symphony at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. Clare would describe herself as a ‘jobbing’ musician, someone who turns up to work hard and enjoy the rewards that working on the stage brings, but under no illusions that life on the stage is glamorous!

Clare moved to Buxton in 1999 and established Mad Hatters Music the following year. Mad Hatters helps to nurture young talent and although many go from our ranks to pursue music and acting careers equally some children are with us simply because music is fun and they make lots of friends. Clare is a great believer in giving as many children as possible a chance and opportunity to shine and develop. Clare also works at St Thomas More and Buxton Community School.

Clare loves singing and passionately believes in the benefits of singing for all ages and ability. What interests Clare particularly is discovering both the musical and dramatic essence of the music she performs and as a result her performances are accessible to all. She is interested particularly, in inspiring and encouraging young people and adults of all abilities to develop and grow through music (vocal and instrumental), stories, movement and role play. It’s never too early, or too late to get involved with music making.