Chris Clarke
Christopher (they/them, he/him) is a dynamic harpist and interdisciplinary artist whose work spans classical, contemporary, and experimental music. Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, they began their harp studies at the age of three with Anita Leschied and developed a passion for music through early experiences in piano, flute, guitar, and voice. By the time they graduated from Vincent Massey Secondary School in 2016, Christopher had already worked with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra as a solo vocalist, served as principal harpist of the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra, and acted as Music Director for Arts Collective Theatre.
They went on to earn a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from Wilfrid Laurier University, where they studied with Lori Gemmell and Sharlene Wallace. During this time, Christopher expanded their expertise in classical and contemporary harp techniques, collaborating with ensembles such as the Waterloo Chamber Orchestra and the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra. Their passion for new music flourished as they premiered multiple works through the Wilfrid Laurier Association of Music Creators and participated in experimental theatre projects.
Christopher continued their studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD) in London, UK, where they earned a Master of Performance with Distinction. While at GSMD, they worked with the London Symphony Orchestra/Orchestral Artistry Composers Programme, OperaMakers, and Wigmore Hall VoiceWorks. In 2022, they premiered Hannah Kendall’s Tuxedo: Diving Bell 2 and were featured in the BBC Radio 3 Total Immersion series.
Now based in the UK, Christopher is an active performer with ensembles such as Dorset Opera Festival, Brixton Chamber Orchestra, and Sinfonia Smith Square. In 2024, they made their West End debut devising music for Savage/Love and Tongues and joined the London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s 2024/2025 Dev Scheme.