Elaine Clark

Born in Aberdeen, Elaine Clark studied with David Takeno at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where she won several awards and prizes. After graduating with a First Class Honours degree, she continued her studies with Viktor Lieberman at the Utrecht Conservatory in the Netherlands.

Since 1996, when she was appointed Co-Leader of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Elaine has made Dublin her home. She is a regular soloist with the NSO, most recently in performances of Philip Glass’ Concerto No1, Bach's Violin Concerto, as well as the concerti of Khachaturian, Prokofiev and Berg. In 2019, she performed as soloist in John Williams’ Fiddler on the Roof Suite in the presence of Michael D. Higgins. She has also led many orchestras, both at home and abroad, including RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, she was appointed Leader of National Symphony Orchestra

Elaine has a deep love of chamber music and has been able to nourish this by being a member of Ficino Quartet, Ficino Ensemble and Clarion Horn Trio as well as performing numerous freelance chamber music concerts. She has also travelled extensively with the contemporary music ensemble Concorde and performed numerous world premieres.

Elaine has been invited to give masterclasses at Cork School of Music, University of Limerick and Royal Irish Academy of Music and sits on the board of UCD Symphony Orchestra.