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Naomi Berrill, Spike Cello Fest


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Spike: A String to Dublin’s Bow

Dublin's alternative cello festival returns for its second year with a programme of exciting local and international talent.

Dublin City venues are set to swell like a veritable string section as the second annual alternative cello festival, Spike, presents a programme of unique events boasting superb homegrown and global musical talent.

Taking place 9-11 February, just some of the festival highlights promised include nightly performances at the dynamic Workman’s Club, innovative child-friendly workshops, an all-ages show and even atmospheric performances at the Hugh Lane Gallery.

The festival’s opening performance will see 3epkano member and festival organiser Lioba Petrie and alternative cellist, vocalist and avant-garde singer-songwriter Laura Moody, take to the stage at the Workman’s Club. On the night Petrie will unveil a brand new project, performing a live film score for the work of one of Ireland’s most exciting filmmakers. While Moody’s emotive songs will enthral audiences with their contemporary avant-garde, classical music, experimental pop and singer-songwriter influences.

Renowned US/Albanian artist, composer/cellist Rubin Kodheli, a celebrated, genre-transcending musician most recently seen on the Dublin stage with Laurie Anderson, will treat audiences to two ensembles – Blues in Space and the Kodheli Cello Quartet. Rubin is well known for his work with Roberta Flack, Henry Threadgill, Norah Jones, Vampire Weekend and Dave Douglas, among many others.

Nashville cellist Zan Berry and Irish cellist/singer Naomi Berrill will host improvisation workshops for children and all-ages shows, ‘Yocella’ classes of cello-accompanied yoga with soothe and relax zen-seekers, while the Hugh Lane Gallery will stage an array of free events including a ‘Cellinstallation’ of eight impressive improvising musicians.

The festival’s closing performance, Cello Voce, will feature Cello Ireland, leading Irish cellist-songwriters Mary Barnecutt (festival organiser), Aleka Potenga, Kevin Murphy and Anna-Mieke Bishop along with special guest Liam Ó Maonlaí. This captivating event will round off the festival in style, celebrating the cello, the voice, the Irish tradition and an amalgamation of styles and compositions, as the assembled musicians perform original material in new settings.

Putting bow to string from 9-11 February, find out more about Spike: Dublin Alternative Cello Festival at www.spikecellofest.com ​​​​​​

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