About
Claire Habbershaw (BMusHons PGCert MPerf) is an award-winning British pianist and musical director who specialises in art song, opera, and musical theatre repertoire. She is an international recitalist, concert curator, and recording artist who has performed at major concert halls, venues, and festivals both across the UK and internationally, collaborating with some of the world’s finest singers.
Claire is the regular pianist for world-renowned tenor Charles Castronovo and has partnered him in numerous recitals both in the UK and abroad. Together, they have recorded a collection of art songs from the Belle Époque period for their debut album, to be released in 2026 with Naxos/Orfeo. She also regularly partners countertenor James Laing, and accompanies other highly distinguished opera singers. Upcoming recitals will be with soprano Sky Ingram & baritone Thomas Chenhall.
Claire has given numerous world premieres for celebrated composer Ian Venables (both songs and solo piano works) and gave the live performance premiere of Ivor Gurney’s solo piano piece Autumn. Her performances have featured in major music festivals and concert halls across the UK and abroad, including appearances for distinguished audiences such as the Lord Mayor of London and celebrated concert halls such as London’s iconic Wigmore Hall.
Claire completed her Artist Masters in Piano Accompaniment with distinction at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where she was a Guildhall Scholar. She later served as the Junior Fellow in Piano Accompaniment and now works at Guildhall as a staff pianist, musical director, and tutor/musical director on its short courses. She previously studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance as a Trinity London Scholar, where she won every duo song prize available and received both the Founders’ Prize for Piano Accompaniment and the Raymond Russell Prize for Harpsichord.
As a musical director, Claire is highly sought after for her collaborative expertise, working with acclaimed theatre directors including John Haidar, Izzy Rabey, and Walter Meierjohann. She performs across multiple genres, including musical theatre and popular music, with leading artists from these industries.
A dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, Claire enjoys unrestricted access to work across the UK and the EU Schengen Area. She is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Coopers, reflecting her contributions to the cultural life of London.