Exquisite sounds of cello trio Rosanthorn

ROSANTHORN have set out a compositional and technical journey to explore all that the cello has to offer across multiple genres and timbres, with the help of South Africa’s top composers and producers.

Their repertoire includes recordings and re-interpretations of works as varied as Vivaldi’s Double Concerto in G Minor, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, and Imogen Heap’s Hide and Seek. Anjulie Nock has composed new works such as Night Journey (with a stirring Game of Thrones feel) and an original Tango (think Scent of a Woman for cello). The Parting, by Helmut Meijer, is stripped-down, soulful composition which inspired their first music video.

Says producer and composer Helmut Meijer: “The sound of the three cellos together is exquisite. I predict that Rosanthorn is going to be the talk of the town.”

Carol Thorns is an industry pioneer of the electric string genre. Her debut solo cello album, Fireflies In The Rain, was nominated Best Instrumental Album 2010 at the SA Music Awards. She enjoys nothing more than presenting her instrument in unique settings and interesting collaborations. As a result, she is the driving force behind popular fusion band, CODA Africa, and her breathtaking act, The Bubble (which presents the artist in a giant, transparent sphere). Rosanthorn Electric Cello Trio is the latest in her growing portfolio of celebrated music concepts.

Thorns says of the exciting new venture: “Rosanthorn came about for both social and musical reasons. Cellists don’t often get to play together in our industry, and I genuinely missed spending time with my cellist friends. Now we see each other continually…”

This all-female electric cello trio released their first self-titled EP earlier this month. It is available on Itunes and at www.rosanthorn. bandcamp.com.