It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Claire Seymour. For the past few months, she suffered from an unknown illness, which included her hospitalization for a battery of tests. Born in August 1970, Claire died on February 10 at her home.
Claire joined Opera Today in 2008. Over time, Claire became the lead reviewer in the United Kingdom. She worked well with her colleagues and recruited a strong cadre of additional reviewers. Her reviews were eagerly anticipated by opera lovers and by the London press as well. She posted her last review on February 6.
Claire Seymour (Photographer unknown)
Claire studied at Cambridge University and received her M.A. and Ph.D. at Kent University. In 2004, Boydell & Brewer published her book The Operas of Benjamin Britten: Expression and Evasion. Claire also co-authored and edited Disordered Heroes in Opera: A Psychiatric Report (2015). A specialist on Thomas Hardy, Claire frequently contributed to, and served as an editor of, The Thomas Hardy Society Journals.
Claire held academic positions at the University of Tokyo (Todai), Dover College (Kent), Queen’s College London, and, most recently, Open University. A prodigious writer, Claire contributed to other music websites and publications, including Seen and Heard International, The Stage and Opera Magazine.
In Memory of Claire Seymour
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Claire Seymour. For the past few months, she suffered from an unknown illness, which included her hospitalization for a battery of tests. Born in August 1970, Claire died on February 10 at her home.
Claire joined Opera Today in 2008. Over time, Claire became the lead reviewer in the United Kingdom. She worked well with her colleagues and recruited a strong cadre of additional reviewers. Her reviews were eagerly anticipated by opera lovers and by the London press as well. She posted her last review on February 6.
(Photographer unknown)
Claire studied at Cambridge University and received her M.A. and Ph.D. at Kent University. In 2004, Boydell & Brewer published her book The Operas of Benjamin Britten: Expression and Evasion. Claire also co-authored and edited Disordered Heroes in Opera: A Psychiatric Report (2015). A specialist on Thomas Hardy, Claire frequently contributed to, and served as an editor of, The Thomas Hardy Society Journals.
Claire held academic positions at the University of Tokyo (Todai), Dover College (Kent), Queen’s College London, and, most recently, Open University. A prodigious writer, Claire contributed to other music websites and publications, including Seen and Heard International, The Stage and Opera Magazine.
She will be missed.
Gary Hoffman
Top image courtesy of Regis College.