| Biography | Ian Claey grew up in Preston, and studied at The Royal Manchester College of Music which he entered as a pianist before turning to singing. While a student, he sang the title role in Peter Grimes, Don José in Carmen, his first Dream of Gerontius and sang many repertoire-learning concerts with societies all over the North West.
His professional debut came at Glyndebourne alongside Dame Janet Baker and Benjamin Luxon where he was awarded the John Christie Prize for the outstanding young singer of the season. For several years, Ian continued to appear both at the Festival and with the Touring Opera. Among the roles he performed was that of Tom Rakewell, in The Rakes Progress which saw the professional debut of Sir Simon Rattle, establishing a continuing partnership. He also sang regularly with the English National Opera and the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, soon followed by Opera North and Scottish Opera where he became a regular guest.
By this time, his career had become established in Europe, developing firstly in France, then in Italy, Switzerland and Germany where over the years he has spent much of his time.
Alongside his opera work, Ian has always had a varied and much-enjoyed concert career, working with major international conductors. It has taken him to most European countries as well as to the USA, Canada, Israel and Japan, providing him with an even more varied repertoire than in the Opera House. He has also given recitals and has made a number of recordings. In a new career development he now coaches and advises Trainees at the National Opera Studio and is the Musical Director of Harrow Opera for whom he has recently made a new English translation of Verdi's Falstaff for performance next season. |