Farewell to Clara

To paraphrase something you always hear at Irish funerals, it’s not about mourning that she’s leaving so much as giving thanks for the fantastic times we had while she was part of the group. Happily Clara has not joined the heavenly choir upstairs, she’s simply left the heavenly choir that is The Gospel Project, after 10 years of loyal service.

Clara has a voice that I’ve heard several people describe as the finest in Ireland. A warm heart. A unique perspective on people of a certain stature. She’s a fantastic team player and all in all one of the finest musicians it has ever been my pleasure to work with. There’s a stereotype of singers as the ‘difficult’ ones in the band, the divas. So people often ask if it’s tricky running an ensemble with five singers – and the honest answer is no, because the singers in question are all ensemble-minded, professional people. I think we owe that ethos in no small part to having performers like Clara in the group, because when someone who can sing like that remains so humble and down to earth it sends a very healthy message. In that same spirit we are delighted to welcome Clara’s successor, the ridiculously talented Sadhbh O’Sullivan on board the good ship gospel.

We will all miss Clara’s positive presence – and her very particular sense of humour – but wish her every success with her work as a music therapist, her ongoing collaboration with Don Baker and her sterling songwriting.