Ilse de Ziah

Ilse de Ziah is a composer, arranger and improviser, a classical, baroque and folk musician. With accomplished musicianship and exquisite soul, Ilse de Ziah evokes music that is intimate and genuine, music she reveals in playing of striking purity and undeniable magic. With a strong memory for learning whole musical works, the ability to play cello standing up, an ingenious improviser and having worked in many genres of music as cellist, singer, arranger and composer, Ilse makes for a versatile and compelling performer. “The rich harmonics of Buachaill ó'n Éirne in Ilse's playing seem to make every word of this wordless performance speak a special music to us” (Tomás Ó Canainn)
For the past few years Ilse has performed solo cello recitals and her show From Irish Airs to Australia Fair is an expressive, 'out-of-the-ordinary' performance of Irish Airs and contemporary cello pieces composed and arranged by Ilse, performed on modern and Baroque cello. Taking inspiration from the Irish and Australian landscapes Ilse creates a fresh, lyrical and emotional style of cello music.
“Well known and lesser known Irish airs sing gloriously in their new raiment. Modern compositional techniques create ancient ethereal atmospheres and earthy moods. A magical musical journey to lose and find yourself. Ilse touches the cello and her soul reaches out to your heart, your future and an infinite past.”