CLARA BISS
First Violin
Violinist and Viola player Clara Biss is as happy playing chamber music on London’s most prestigious stages as she is touring the world with a symphony or chamber orchestra.
This is reflected her extremely varied career, which has ranged from giving workshops in the foothills of the Himalayas to performing Arvo Part’s hypnotic St. John’s Passion in the middle of the night in the Albert Hall.
As a member of Endymion Ensemble, and the former violinist of the Lawson Piano Trio, she finds herself performing regularly at the Wigmore Hall, King’s Place, The Southbank and on BBC Radio 3, exploring a huge range of repertoire. She has collaborated with, amongst many others, The Edinburgh, Dante and Engegard Quartets. Clara has participated in Open Chamber Music at IMS Prussia Cove, as well as performing at festivals such as Cheltenham and Winchester.
Clara is also a member of the Britten Sinfonia, with whom she has toured Mexico, South America, Amsterdam and New York. She works with many of the UK’s other chamber orchestras, frequently as a guest principal.
Alongside her playing, Clara is a sought after teacher and music educator. She teaches at Benenden School, where she also coordinates the Chamber Music Department, and has lead courses and workshops including Britten Sinfonia Academy and Pro Corda.
Clara has a 3 year old boy, and juggles music with far more important pursuits; she is an expert on Thomas the Tank Engine and all his Friends, is steadily improving her football skills and can be found running for miles around the Kent countryside chasing a small boy on a bike.