Claire Duff is an eminent baroque violinist whose ‘stylish solo violin playing’ (Gramophone) has been described as having ‘all the excitement of a high-wire act’ (The Irish Times). In 2016 she was elected Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, London (ARAM), for her significant contribution to the music profession. Claire is leader of the Irish Baroque Orchestra with which she regularly performs as soloist and often as director, to critical acclaim. She has led Florilegium, I Fagiolini, English Touring Opera, The Kings Consort and Camerata Kilkenny and co-led the Academy of Ancient Music and The English Concert. Claire has an extensive discography, including a highly acclaimed CD of Bach’s Double Violin Concerto with Monica Huggett and IBO and Flights of Fantasy with IBO chamber soloists which was chosen by Newyorker.com as one of the most memorable moments in music for 2010. Claire teaches baroque violin at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and directs the RIAM baroque orchestra and is Artistic Director of the Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra. Future engagements include a Bach recital tour with the award-winning French harpsichordist, Benjamin Alard.

Claire is the grateful recipient of Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme Award 2010 and a 2007 Arts Council of Ireland Bursary