Sophie Clarke is a classical crossover mezzo-soprano. She has already become a seasoned performer both on stage and on the street through busking! Sophie has recently been chosen to sing and represent the classical crossover genre at the Miss England 2021 final event. So we decided to get to know a little more about Sophie!
Natasha Barbieri: What was the moment when you thought ‘Right, I’m going to be a singer?’
Sophie Clarke: I’ve been singing and dancing for as long as I can remember. My love for performing arts began when I started baby ballet aged three at Procter Dance Academy in Liverpool being taught by the wonderful Miss Lorna but I began singing properly when I started primary school. My mum said she always thought I could sing, which was confirmed by my first school teacher Mrs Hubbard, and I sang my first solo of ‘Away in a Manger’ at the school carol concert aged four. I’ve been singing ever since under the guidance of my amazing singing teachers Ranee Seneviratne, Adrian Clarke, Bee Husband and Mary King.
Natasha Barbieri: You studied Musical Theatre for your BA Degree. What were some of the highlights from this experience?
Sophie Clarke: The lovely cafe! I’m only joking. There are many highlights from my time at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, but I’d have to say playing Bobbi in ‘City of Angels’ in my third year was one of the best experiences. I got to sing the most beautiful Jazz inspired songs and wear stunning 1940s style costumes. Another highlight was dancing at London Fashion Week for the designer Edeline Lee which was very different to anything I have ever done before. The rehearsal schedule was very tight but it all came together and working with models from all over the world was fabulous.
Natasha Barbieri: For your Master’s, you were awarded a scholarship to study Classical Singing and Opera. What has it been like for you so far?
Sophie Clarke: I haven’t started my Masters yet at the Royal Northern College of Music, but I’m so excited to start this September! This audition season was all online and I found out about my scholarship and place in December 2020, which was the best Christmas present I could have asked for. I also have a very kind sponsor, Peter Snook, who is supporting my training and career. The conservatoire offers so many opportunities and I’m looking forward to being able to work on my classical singing after my musical theatre degree.
Natasha Barbieri: What has been one of your favorite roles to sing? Either in a musical or with an orchestra?
Sophie Clarke: I have to say I think my favourite role was when I was the Mezzo-Soprano Soloist in the latest production of Bernstein’s ‘Mass’ at The Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre.
Marin Alsop flew in from America to conduct and we had Mary King as Vocal Coach and Jude Kelly CBE as Director. I think it was a very special experience for me as it was my first professional theatrical role and I was still only a first-year student, the other soloists were industry professionals. Even though ‘Mass’ is a more unusual work by Bernstein, his music is so captivating and I’m very grateful I got to perform such an iconic work. More so Bernstein’s Son and Daughter were in the audience!
Natasha Barbieri: Tell us a little bit about being featured on the BBC program, “All Together Now.”
Sophie Clarke: It was such a wonderful opportunity! I was the youngest performer on the show and it was my first time on television, which was very eye-opening as it is rather different to theatre and concerts. The team and other performers were lovely and overall, it was a very positive experience. I’d love to do some more TV work again in the future.
Natasha Barbieri: You’ve done quite a bit of busking how has that helped to hone your skills for performing on stage?
Sophie Clarke: I started busking in Liverpool when I was fifteen years old to help fund my performing arts training and I’ve never looked back. When I moved to London to study for my degree aged eighteen, I started busking in Greenwich too, in addition to Liverpool. Not only are
the people in both cities so kind and generous, busking has enabled me to grow in confidence, learn new repertoire in a short amount of time and receive so many more opportunities. For example, in October just gone, I was busking outside Greenwich Park and a gentleman took one of my business cards. This led to me performing at The Ned – a 5 Star Hotel and Private Members’ Club in Central London alongside my trio, pianist Nicole Johnson and Saxophonist Natacha Hansen; the gentleman turned out to be one of the members. I now busk regularly in London and Liverpool to help raise funds for my Masters. I think if you’re brave enough to stand there with nothing but a speaker, microphone and a bucket, you can do anything!
Natasha Barbieri: Although you are quite young your charity work is already quite extensive. When did you get started and what are some ways others can start using their talents to help others?
Sophie Clarke: When I was around eight years old the Lord Mayor of Liverpool at the time heard me singing in a school concert and invited me to perform in his yearly charity concert. Since then I have been a regular guest soloist for various different charity concerts and events every year and I’m very grateful to have been able to sing for over thirty-five different charitable organisations. Most prominently I sing for the ‘British Heart Foundation’ helping to raise funds for defibrillators to be installed into public spaces such as schools and leisure centres.
Singing in charity concerts has helped me as a singer in so many ways, it has given me stage presence, confidence and allowed me to perform with amazing singers, choirs and bands from all over the world. For example, I was asked to sing a duet of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with the Voice of Disney Peabo Bryson in a charity event organised by the late David Gest in aid of Liverpool Cathedral.
I’d like to thank all of the charities who took a chance on me from age eight by inviting me to perform for them, I wouldn’t be where I am without them now age twenty-two. In the current times I think the best way to start engaging with different charities is to do online live streams showcasing whatever your talent may be and attach a Just Giving Link for a charity of your choice.
This is what I have been doing during Lockdown and with the help of Ian Pendleton, who shares my content to his page ‘In My Liverpool Home’, I have been able to reach a wide audience. When life starts to return to more normality contacting charities with ideas for concerts and events is a good step forward – they will always be keen to discuss your ideas and help make them a reality.
Natasha Barbieri: As a fellow vintage enthusiast I’m loving your style. When did you first begin experimenting with vintage styles?
Sophie Clarke: Aw thank you so much! I’ve always been a bit of an older soul in terms of fashion and music but I started to wear more vintage fashion when my voice matured around age sixteen as I started to become more interested in Jazz. I had my hair cut into a bob and it’s stayed that way ever since. I’m often told my looks and voice are more from a different era and over the years this has developed into my artist image.
Natasha Barbieri: You recently released “The Rose.” What is it about this well-loved song that spoke to you?
Sophie Clarke: I think the words in this song are so touching and very relevant for the current times we are all experiencing. There is a sense of hope, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and life will return again. It also reminds us that living life to the fullest is so important – do
not be afraid and take that leap into the unknown. I created a video to go with my recording of the song which included pictures of key workers who have risked their lives during the pandemic and also photos of performers who have worked so hard raising spirits via online content and outdoor performances.
(Listen to “The Rose” on Apple Music)
Natasha Barbieri: You were asked to represent Liverpool for Miss England 2021. Can you tell us a little bit more about how you are preparing for this event?
Sophie Clarke: So I was recently asked to be the Guest Soloist at the Miss England 2021 Final and I’m very honoured to not only be representing my home city alongside Miss Liverpool Poppy Gerrard and Miss Liverpool Popularity Chelsea-Lea Stokes, but to also be representing the Classical Crossover community. With the guidance of Miss Liverpool organiser, the lovely Pat Hughes, I have been preparing for the event and selecting appropriate repertoire for the occasion. I have been asked to sing a selection of songs and will be discussing this with the Miss England Team nearer to the event which is scheduled to be in early summer.
Natasha Barbieri: What are some of the goals you are setting for yourself in 2021?
Sophie Clarke: I think my first goal is to release some more singles over the coming months in the lead-up to recording a full album in the near future which is something I have also wanted to.
I’m also hoping to perform at new venues in addition to the lovely places I have been very fortunate to sing at before. This is a great way to connect and work with different musicians, choirs, and fellow singers and perform for a wider audience. Networking is so important for growth as an artist and this year I aim to continue this to take my career to the next level.
Connect with Sophie!
