Claire van Kampen, a celebrated figure in the world of music and theatre, passed away on Saturday, July 15th, 2023, at the age of 71 in Kassel, Germany. Coincidentally, the day also marked the 65th birthday of her husband, the acclaimed actor Sir Mark Rylance. Surrounded by her family, Van Kampen succumbed to cancer, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a concert pianist, composer, playwright, and theatre director. Her creative spirit and vibrant personality touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on the arts community. A statement released by Sir Mark and Van Kampen’s daughter, Juliet, described her as “one of the funniest and (most) inspiring women we have ever known,” expressing gratitude for the magic, music, laughter, and love she brought into their lives.
Van Kampen’s illustrious career spanned decades and encompassed a wide range of artistic endeavors. She was a highly skilled musician, proficient in both classical and contemporary music. Her talents extended to composition, with credits ranging from theatrical scores to film soundtracks. She was also a respected playwright and theatre director, contributing her vision and expertise to numerous productions. Her association with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where she served in various roles for around 20 years, solidified her position as a leading figure in the world of Shakespearean performance. Van Kampen’s artistic versatility allowed her to seamlessly transition between different creative mediums, leaving her distinctive mark on each.
Van Kampen’s relationship with Sir Mark Rylance was both personal and professional, intertwined with their shared passion for the arts. They met at the National Theatre in 1987 while working on a production of “The Wandering Jew,” where Van Kampen served as the musical director. Their shared love of music blossomed into romance, and they married in 1989. Throughout their marriage, they collaborated on numerous projects, often conceived at their kitchen table, testament to their enduring artistic partnership. Sir Mark credits Van Kampen with profoundly influencing his life, introducing him to the world of classical and modern music and shaping his artistic trajectory.
Van Kampen’s theatrical contributions were significant and varied. She composed the music for the 1989 Royal Shakespeare Company production of “Hamlet,” starring Sir Mark. Her work on Broadway included original scores for “True West” (2000), “Boeing-Boeing” (2008), and “La Bete” (2010). She also lent her musical talents to adaptations of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and “Richard III.” Her play “Farinelli And The King,” in which Sir Mark starred as King Philippe V of Spain, garnered critical acclaim, receiving nominations for several Olivier Awards and Tony Awards.
Van Kampen’s musical foundation was laid at the Royal College of Music in London, where she studied music theory and piano, specializing in 20th-century music. She embarked on a career as a composer and performer, contributing to a diverse array of projects for theatre, radio, television, film, and the concert hall. Her involvement with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1986 marked the beginning of her distinguished theatre career, followed by work with the Royal National Theatre the following year.
Van Kampen’s association with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was a pivotal chapter in her career. She served as artistic associate from 1996 to 2006, coinciding with Sir Mark’s tenure as artistic director. Following Sir Mark’s departure, she continued her involvement with the Globe as a musical consultant and resident composer under the subsequent artistic director, Dominic Dromgoole, from 2007 to 2015. She also held the position of creative associate at the prestigious Old Vic Theatre in London. Van Kampen’s dedication to the theatre and her enduring contributions to the world of Shakespearean performance solidified her legacy as a leading figure in the arts. Her personal life was marked by both joy and sorrow. She had two daughters, Juliet and Nataasha, from her previous marriage to architect Christopher van Kampen. Tragically, her youngest daughter, Nataasha, a filmmaker, died in 2012 at the age of 28 after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
