British/Irish conductor Olivia Clarke was born in London. Olivia has most recently worked
at English National Opera assisting Martyn Brabbins for La Bohème. Olivia is currently the
ENO Mackerras Fellow, where she is on a bespoke, 2 year conducting fellowship supported
by the Philip Loubser Foundation, mentored by Martyn Brabbins.
A recipient of the DAAD (Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst) scholarship for her
conducting studies, Olivia trained at the International Conducting Academy Berlin,
Universität der Künste, graduating in 2020. During her studies Olivia conducted in
concerts with the Neubrandenburger Philharmonie, Hradec Králové Philharmonie,
Magdeburgische Philharmonie, and Brandenburger Symphoniker, who invited her back as
Guest Conductor. Olivia also conducted in masterclasses with the
Deutsche Symphonie Orchester, Bochum Symphoniker, Komische Oper, and
Kammerakademie Potsdam.
From 2018-2019 Olivia held the position of principal conductor of
Orchester Benjamin Franklin Berlin, with whom she was praised for her innovative
programming. Olivia has recently conducted her first 'jump-in' performance,
Léhar's Der Zarewitsch at Nordharzerstädtebundtheater. Olivia has also worked with
Oper oder Spree as Assistant Conductor/Repetiteur for Die Zauberflöte and was Assistant
Conductor to Errico Fresis for l’heure espagnole, Angélique, la voix humaine performed at
Unit Theater, Universität der Künste.
In 2017 Olivia conducted the Art of Venus with Music Troupe for the London new opera festival Tête à Tête, and was Musical Director for The Beautiful Bridegroom by Shore performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Before moving to Berlin, Olivia completed her Masters in singing at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. While living
in Glasgow, Olivia turned her attention to conducting and founded Fox Opera, a company for young professionals, conducting
Der Schauspieldirekor and le docteur miracle. Olivia was Music Director of Kelvin Choir in Glasgow 2016-2017.
Alongside conducting, Olivia has worked as a repetiteur, vocal coach, accompanist for singers, and continuo player and was a Repetiteur for British Youth Opera's 2018 production of The Rake's Progress. Olivia also enjoys a long-standing relationship with the Finchley Children's Music Group in London, a choir she was once a member of, and now teaches and conducts on their annual summer schools. Olivia is an Associate of the Royal College of Organists. Olivia completed her Bachelors in Music with an Organ Scholarship at the Queen's College, University of Oxford.
Olivia is currently mentored by Jennifer Spencer at IMG Artist Management.
