about

Clara Atkins is an experienced sing, community choir leader, workshop facilitator and arts manager. 

Clara studied music at Bath Spa University specialising in jazz voice, taught by vocal coach Helen Porter. Over the past ten years she has performed in many venues in the South West area. Clara is known for her clear and expressive tone, often likened to Ella Fitzgerald. She performs with emotion and a touch of drama, bringing whatever music she sings to life.

Choir Leader

Clara leads two community choirs called Clarity, in Bath and Trowbridge, and a smaller group called Doves Peace Choir. She leads all her choirs and singing workshops using the principles of the Natural Voice Network. Clara was trained using this method by experienced choir leader Candy Verney. They are open-access, a cappella choirs that are as much about the social and community aspect as they are the singing.

Natural Voice principles
NVN Choirs always:
  • aim to accommodate mixed levels of experience.
  • aim to avoid using technical language and musical jargon.
  • teach songs in a traditional way – mostly by ear.
  • use physical and vocal warm-ups to facilitate vocal health, confidence and fun.
  • promote that the voice and singing with others as a fundamental community building activity.​
For more information about the Natural Voice Network visit www.naturalvoice.net

SINGER

Clara often performs as a soloist with Wiltshire-based band GBH Big Band appearing alongside the likes of Iain Ballamy and Jason Rebello. She is also an accomplished classical singer, appearing as a soloist with the Freshford Singers and Cantamus Chamber Choir. 

Clara is an experienced ensemble singer performing regularly with vocal group Rolling Harmony.  
www.songways.co.uk/rolling-harmony 

Most recently Clara has been involved in recording with Helen Chadwick and will be touring as part of the Helen Chadwick Group to various venues in the South West during 2023.
​https://helenchadwick.com/​

For bookings please contact Clara via the Contact page.

Videos on this page:
Alto soloist in Vivaldi's Gloria with Cantamus Chamber Choir & St Laurence Community Chorus 2015, Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon
GBH Big Band Christmas Concert 2016, Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon
​​Rolling Harmony show reel 2022, Cooper Hall nr Frome

Arts Manager

Clara has worked as a freelance arts manager in a variety of roles including:
  • Events Manager
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Festival Coordinator
  • Project Administrator and Coordinator
Her work is based in Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol, and surrounding areas. 

Clara has worked with a range of prestigious organisations including: 
  • Bath MozartFest and BachFest
  • The Holburne Museum, Bath
  • St George's Bristol
  • Wiltshire Music Centre
  • Bath Festivals
  • Isle of Wight Festival
  • Bestival
  • WOMAD
  • Wiltshire Council
  • Quay Arts Centre, Isle of Wight
  • Brecon Jazz Festival
  • Wiltshire Music Connect

In 2012 Clara completed a Masters in Arts Management at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. 
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If you'd like to know more, or to request a copy of her CV, please contact Clara via the Contact page.