Patrons and Trustees

Katie Clarke

Katie started playing the piano at the age of six, beginning her musical studies in Norfolk, England and later at the International Purcell School of Music in London. Whilst still in her teens she formed a two piano partnership with Christopher Hopkins, performing frequently throughout the UK. During her school years Katie performed frequently as a pianist, accompanist, clarinetist and singer across the UK and Europe.

Katie subsequently studied music at Bristol University and went on to acquire a Masters in Performance from York University. As a student, she performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C minor with the Mozart players in Norwich and the Weber Konzertstück with the Bristol University Chamber Orchestra. As well as performing frequently as a soloist, Katie accompanied musicians and singers, sang in the chamber choirs, choral societies and Madrigal ensemble and played in the University orchestras and ensembles both as a pianist and as a clarinetist. She played for the Opera society on both harpsichord and piano and won the accompanist award in her Oirst year. Katie also toured extensively in the UK and Europe with both the Chamber choir and Orchestra.

After graduating in 2007, Katie worked for two years as a pianist at Norwich Theatre Royal on the Breckland Schools Project, working with young children and helping them produce their own interpretation of an opera that was then performed at the Theatre Royal, with piano accompaniment by Katie.

In 2009 Katie moved to London and continued to teach and perform both as a soloist and as a musical director. Whilst there she also worked at the national radio station Classic FM, as an assistant to the Executive Producer. In 2011 she released her Oirst solo classical CD ‘Noted’ with works by Haydn, Schumann, Liszt, Ravel, Sinding and Debussy working alongside producer Andrew Lynwood.

In 2012 Katie began working with several composers and producers to create a virtuoso variety piano act that combines her talents as both a virtuoso pianist and vibrant personality with a band of versatile musicians in order to create a unique and exciting show.

Katie has performed her virtuoso variety piano act all over world, and on every continent, on board cruise lines including Celebrity, Holland America, Regent, Oceania, Cunard, Princess, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal, as well as shows in England and Los Angeles.

Katie moved to Los Angeles in January 2014 and has since worked alongside many musicians as a soloist, cabaret entertainer, accompanist and Musical Director. She has worked with Broadway Singer Jay Winnick in an outreach community musical programme in schools across

LA, as well as Musically Directing at venues including the NOHO Art’s Centre and Secret Rose Theatre in original and recognisable productions. She has also collaborated in performance with both singers and instrumentalists from the LA Opera and television and Broadway.

Katie wanted to become a patron of SHUK because she believes in empowering women and creating opportunities for those who face unique challenges. Supporting initiatives that provide education, healthcare, mentorship, and safety for women aligns with Katie's values. She wants to contribute to a world where women have the resources and support to thrive, whether it's helping survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault or advocating for women's rights.

“Being a patron allows me to make a meaningful impact on a cause I deeply care about."