Biography
Suzanne Clachair is an award-winning Australian singer, songwriter and producer who first came to prominence at 16 after winning the ABC’s nationally-televised talent show “Quest” with her moving performance of ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’. She has since entranced audiences throughout Australia and around the world with her haunting vocals and dynamic stage performances.
Classically trained, Suzanne completed a scholarship in singing at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music under world-renowned tenor Sir Donald Smith O.B.E, and later graduated with a Business Degree in Communication from Queensland University of Technology and a Diploma in Education from The University of Queensland. She found employment first as a High School teacher and later, a Marketing consultant all the while maintaining a passion for her music.
Almost a decade after her Quest win, a TV commercial was the catalyst for Suzanne’s stellar recording career. Featuring Suzanne’s soaring vocal rendition of the song Barcarolle, it took the public by storm; the TV Network was inundated with callers wanting to purchase the vocal soundtrack.
Warner Records went one better and released Suzanne’s first album of the same name which went platinum within a few months of release. In the same year, Suzanne gave birth to her first child - and was offered a recording contract with Sony Music Australia. Serenade was released in 1990 followed by a TV special, “An Evening with Suzanne Clachair” and three months later Serenade also achieved platinum sales.
Soon after, the world’s biggest recording star at the time, Julio Iglesias, was so impressed with Suzanne’s voice he invited her to be his special guest during his 1991 Australian tour and to perform at the Opening of his Las Vegas Show. Suzanne’s own Australian tour followed, where she performed to capacity crowds in all the nation’s capital cities. Suzanne’s third album, Believe In Love was released that year through Sony Music and was quickly followed by another TV special.
For the next three years, a hectic touring schedule saw Suzanne perform once again to capacity audiences throughout Australia. From singing the Australian National Anthem at national and international sporting events to headlining at the Sydney Opera House and appearing regularly on Nine Network’s The Midday Show with Ray Martin, Suzanne’s beautiful voice was heard across Australia.
The release of Suzanne’s fourth album, Romance, once again highlighted the versatility of Suzanne’s talent, including her own compositions and eclectic blend of material from Celtic to classical. After the birth of her second daughter the following year, Suzanne reduced her heavy performance commitments to devote time to her family and return to her studies, completing a post-graduate degree in Counselling.
“My life has been so blessed with a precious family to nurture and love and my music always there to uplift me. Time changes many things but these remain my constants,” Suzanne says.
Now Suzanne invites audiences to relive the passion, beauty and drama of her first award-winning debut album Barcarolle digitally remastered and available to the public for the first time in over 25 years. Featuring classic songs such as Barcarolle, The Water is Wide, When I Dream and If You Love Me, Suzanne’s stunning voice touches the heart and soothes the soul.
“For me, music exists to inspire, move and heal. I choose those elements which speak to me from a broad range of musical genres, then bring my own style to the task to create something individual and authentic. With each song, each album, each performance, I feel like I’m embarking on an emotional journey together with my listeners,” Suzanne says.
The re-release of Suzanne’s Barcarolle Remastered has in no small way been motivated by a desire to honour her late mother who passed away in 2012.
“Family and music were always Mum’s two greatest loves. She was incredibly encouraging and supportive of me, especially when it came to my singing. Her unwavering confidence in my voice filled me with the hope, courage and self-belief to follow my dreams to become a recording artist,” Suzanne says. "And just as my dear Mother did, my loyal fans have continued to support me over all these years - Barcarolle Remastered is really my way of saying thankyou."
Suzanne’s enchanting voice, unforgettable lyrics and beautiful melodies stand testament to her name being synonymous with simply superb singing. Her timeless recordings showcase an irresistible tapestry of musical genres, all embossed with Suzanne’s unmistakable and evocative voice.