Claire Parfitt

First Violin

Member since 1988

‘Coming from a family of professional musicians, we always knew that the LSO was the best. So joining was my aim from a very early age! With its fast working pace, coupled with the camaraderie and brilliance of the members, one can never be bored due to the diversity of work. Plus we see the world!’

Claire Parfitt was born in Cardiff to professional musicians, and was taught by her father. At 16, after reaching the inaugural 1978 Young Musician of the Year String Finals, she went to the Royal Academy of Music to study with Sidney Griller. With a three-year Belgian Government Scholarship to the Royal Conservatoire de Bruxelles studying with Lola Bobesco, Claire achieved two Premier Prix and a Diplôme Superieur for both violin and chamber music. On return to the UK, she freelanced with the major orchestras for a short period, before accepting a First Violin position in 1988 as one of eight LSO women. After having recorded the most iconic film scores (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Braveheart and more) and played with eminent musicians, Claire was awarded an ARAM in 2016.