Old Ambient
A collaboration between Liam Byrne (viola da gamba) Tom Rogerson (keyboards) and Clare O’Connell (cello)
Born out of a shared sense of curiosity, a desire to make music together and to experiment with and explore new sound worlds, Old Ambient combines the styles, energies and personalities of three musicians from different genres and backgrounds, taking inspiration from each other in the moment with a profound sense of freedom and connection, generating a compelling journey for performers and audience alike.
The combination of classical cello, viola da gamba and piano, clavichord and synthesisers has rich potential for creating sounds worlds both ancient and futuristic with drones and ambience, the synthesiser acting as a complimentary chamber instrument in it’s own right, adding an extra sonic dimension which blends and contrasts in equal measure.
Every performance is unique, the result of our exploration of the intersect between renaissance and 21st century sound worlds, and what parallels they may have with each other. An exploration of where old meets new, early meets contemporary, ancient meets electroacoustic and how each inform the other.
O'Connell Turner Duo
Clare O’Connell (cello) and Eleanor Turner (harp) form a dynamic and expressive duo, bringing together two richly contrasting instruments in performances that are both intimate and imaginative. Known for their inventive programming, they explore a wide-ranging repertoire from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary works, often creating their own arrangements to cast familiar music in a new light.
Their collaboration is defined by a deep musical connection and a shared commitment to storytelling through sound. Blending virtuosity with sensitivity, they craft performances that move seamlessly between styles and eras, revealing unexpected colours and textures. Together, they offer audiences a fresh and engaging concert experience—one that is both rooted in tradition and alive with creativity.
"Their playing throughout reflected their personal rapport: warm, responsive, almost telepathic in their communication of fine detail."
"The arrangements were so fresh and new that it was if one was hearing them for the first time"
William Ruff @ReviewsGate.
