Clara Lyon

Violinist Clara Lyon is an acclaimed artist whose work connects sonic languages and artistic disciplines to spark new pathways for the imagination. Celebrated for her stylistic versatility, she thrives as a collaborator across contexts—from chamber music and recital programs to improvisation, interdisciplinary projects, and curation.

A prizewinner of the Irving M. Klein and Schadt International Competitions, Clara has appeared in such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Library of Congress, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, Big Ears, and the Reykjavik Arts Festival. Her projects extend into film and installation, including the award-winning Thus, the Night—featuring Spektral Quartet and music of Henri Dutilleux—and exhibitions with visual artist Antonia Contro and cellist Hannah Collins. Her vision has been recognized with a Music Academy of the West Alumni Enterprise Award and a Ragdale Foundation Residency with the Theorem Collective.

From 2014–2023, Clara was a violinist and Director of Programs of the Chicago-based Spektral Quartet, which commissioned over 85 bold new pieces by composers such as Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Miguel Zenon, George Lewis, and Tomeka Reid; developed fresh interpretations of canonical works, and earned three GRAMMY nominations across three musical genres. The group’s final project together–a collaboration with composer Tonia Ko, botanist and NYTimes bestselling author Robin Wall Kimmerer, and the Center for Humans and Nature–will be released later this year.  

Clara now serves as Co-Artistic Director of Decoda, Carnegie Hall’s only Affiliate Ensemble, curating performances and multi-year initiatives for a roster of 35 exceptional artists. With Decoda, she builds meaningful musical experiences in schools, hospitals, shelters, correctional facilities, and concert halls. She also performs as a member of the self-conducted chamber orchestra A Far Cry and the Lydian String Quartet, and teaches at Brandeis University, the Decoda Chamber Music Festival, and Greenwood Music Camp.

Clara holds degrees from the Juilliard School and SUNY Stony Brook, followed by a fellowship with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect. She delights in helping others access moments of wonder and believes that creativity is a human right.