Born in South Shields, Claire Rutter studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and at the National Opera Studio, sponsored by The Friends of English National Opera. Most recently, she has received outstanding reviews for her performance in English National Opera’s new production of Lucrezia Borgia, and for ENO she has also sung Donna Anna Don Giovanni, the title roles in Tosca and Aida, Amelia Un ballo in maschera and Elvira Ernani.