Clare Corban-Banks
Clare Corban-Banks
Principal Viola
Born in New Zealand, Clare began learning viola as a young girl, receiving private tuition throughout her school years. She gained a Scholarship to study viola professionally with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s “Schola Musica”, an orchestral trainee scheme set up to prepare string players for orchestral life. During these three years Clare was also a member of the NZ Youth Orchestra, leading the viola section two of those years.
She received tuition from the renowned violist Vyvyan Yendoll throughout these years, confirming her love of the instrument.
Clare then worked full-time with the NZSO for 3 years, touring the country and discovering the joys of orchestral music. She had the privilege of performing under conductors such as Franz Paul Decker, Sir Charles Groves, Maximiano Valdes, Doron Salamon, Michi Inoue and with musicians such as Nigel Kennedy (‘4 Seasons’ included), Dame Joan Sutherland, James Galway, Victor Borge and Ray Charles.
Choosing to become a full-time mother meant contract work with the Auckland Philharmonia next, then private teaching for the next couple of decades while her 6 children grew and Christian ministry led her family to Spain for 5 years. There Clare was a founding member of the Orquesta Sinfonica de Baleares in Ibiza.
On Clare’s return to New Zealand she formed two quartets: “4te” and “La Vida”, both of which have produced CDs. A particular love of chamber music also saw her performing with the Viva Chamber Orchestra in Nelson’s long running annual music festival.
Coming to Tasmania at the beginning of 2013, Clare is delighted to be a member of “Camerata Obscura” and also take up violin and viola teaching privately. She is particularly excited to be here in the formative stages of the Launceston Philharmonic Orchestra.
When not making music with friends and family Clare pursues her other career as an Editor/Proofreader, or takes the dog for a walk.