As we all head ‘back to school’ after the long summer break, we thought who better to put in the hot-seat than our Programme Director: Learning & Participation, Clare! Read on to find out more…
What was the first recording you bought?
Um, not sure I can honestly remember, but do remember listening to ELO’s – A New World Record at a friend’s when I was VERY young – it was great to run around to!
ELO – A New World Record
Do you have a favourite composer? If so, who?
Not particularly, but I love the excitement of new commissions. Others composers that are on my playlist (apart from pieces that I’m studying for choir) are Bach, Poulenc, Xenakis, Mahler, Satie, Mark Anthony Turnage, Britten, Purcell, Julian Anderson, Chris Woods…as you can see, pretty eclectic.
What was the last concert/gig you went to?
The one that I sang in, Sir Mark Elder’s Prom – Elgar’s The Apostles – the Halle’s Youth Choir were wonderful . Also recently visited Tate Modern’s latest Turbine Hall installation by Tino Sehgal, brilliant!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A dancer…but I grew out of that one, hurt my toes too much!
What were you doing before coming to work with Spitalfields Music?
Previously I was Education Director at London Philharmonic Orchestra, I worked there for nearly 5 years and was a fantastic organisation to work with, particularly with the links to Southbank Centre and Glyndebourne and all the inspiring players and staff.
What’s the nicest or weirdest gift you’ve been given?
Our wedding present from our friends – it was a mystery tour to the hotel for our first night – we ended up at The Portobello in Notting Hill, just sad that we couldn’t stay longer.
Who would you cast as yourself in a movie about your life? And why?
Not sure, but on consultation Kate our Programme Director: Festivals reckons Emma Thompson – she does a fine Nanny McPhee and I particularly liked the warts… so I think that would do for now.
Emma Thompson as Clare Lovett
What excites you most about working with Spitalfields Music?
Working with local partners and people, there’s some extraordinary folks in Tower Hamlets doing inspirational things and it’s a great pleasure to work with them, using music as a catalyst to help progress individual ambitions and projects. This Autumn I’m really excited by our new partnership with Toynbee Hall, Drake Music and The Map Squad, where we’re putting together a Winter Wonderland weekend for 14 and 15 years olds of all abilities. This is the first time that we have worked together and it promises to be an exciting collaboration. Then there’s our tour to Barking and Dagenham and Newham, new projects with Magic Me and our Neighbourhood Schools… and many, many more.
Where’s your favourite place in London?
Too many to list, but current favourite is in the newly refurbished gardens and band stand at the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill – for fantastic views across London.
And finally, would you share an interesting fact about yourself with us?
I love MotoGP and TT racing, Valentino Rossi is god and should have a better time now he’s moving back with Yamaha and Guy Martin is magnificent. Season continues until 11 November in Valencia, catch it while you can!
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