Described in its debut concert as ‘beguiling’, the Portrait Players are an all-female trio whose programmes are inspired by captivating historical figures. Featuring Claire Ward (soprano), Kristiina Watt (theorbo/lute/soprano), and Miriam Nohl (cello/viola da gamba), the trio, founded in January 2023, has quickly established a busy concert schedule across the UK.

In Autumn 2023 the group made its debut at St Martin in the Fields in a recital hosted by City Music Foundation. Further concerts include performances at Handel Hendrix House, Brighton Early Music Festival, Amersham Festival, Surrey Hills International Music Festival, Northumbria University, Barts’ Great Hall in the City of London, The Workshop Series Lewes, and University College Oxford, as well as collaborations with Opera Prelude in London and Henley.

In 2024, the group launched the Louise Labé song project, expanding its programme ‘Les Femmes Illustres - The Female Genius’ with a contemporary commissioned song cycle by composer Clare Elton. The trio are Current Stoller Hall Emerging Artists, The Making Music/Philip and Dorothy Green Young Artists, and feature on the Live Music Now Directory. Previously, The Portrait Players took part in the Brighton Early Music Festival Live! scheme for new ensembles 2023/24, and have participated in the BBC Radio 3/NCEM/RCM New Generation Baroque Ensemble Development Day.