I'm pleased to share this conversation with Claire Wickes, Principal Flautist of the Orchestra of English National Opera. Alongside her work as a flute player, she has recently developed a career as a media composer. I met Claire in October at the Royal Opera House a few hours before she had a performance at the London Coliseum that same evening. We talked about her musical journey, studying music at university and college, learning from different teachers, experiences of playing in the orchestra with ENO (including on the stage of the Coliseum!) and her composing activities.

This podcast was recorded before the formal announcement at the start of November regarding ENO's funding cuts from the Arts Council and their possible relocation to Manchester.

Claire's bio: ⁠https://www.clairewickes.com/bio⁠.

Claire on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/clairewritesmusic⁠.

Batman: Broken Promise: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c_ORJHJXgI⁠.

Interview recorded 19 October 2022; podcast published 14 January 2023. Edited Joe Eftihiou; additional edits Annabelle Lee. Intro and outro music by Helena and Annabelle Lee.