Cliona Ni Choileain

Clíona Ní Choileáin is a London based, Irish cellist. Clíona began her studies in Cork at the age of four and has travelled across Ireland, the UK, Italy, Spain and the USA performing. Clíona is an honours graduate from the Royal Northern College of Music where she studied with Emma Ferrand. She has also recently completed her Masters degree at the Royal Academy of Music under Felix Schmidt.

Clíona is very passionate about chamber music; she is currently a member of the Mila Piano Trio. The Trio were finalists at the 2018 St Martin-In-The-Field’s Chamber Music Competition. They perform regularly throughout the UK and had their St John’s Smith Square Debut in 2016. The Trio is currently working with Adrian Brendel through Chamber Studio at King’s Place. She has also performed at renowned festivals such as The Bantry International Chamber Music Festival in 2007 and 2011, and the Lake District Summer Music Festival in 2012 and 2013. Clíona performed at Wigmore Hall in 2015 for a study day of the chamber music of composer Edwin Roxburgh, of which the composer said ‘The virtuosity was one thing, but the artistry which you brought to the piece was stunning’. Clíona is a multi-genre artist and she is currently working with digital music producer Wilma Archer on his upcoming releases.

During her time at both the RNCM and RAM Clíona has become dedicated to working in community music and outreach. She is currently a fellow at the Royal Academy of Music’s outreach department, Open Academy. Clíona has previously organised music workshops for people with Dementia in residential homes in Ireland, while raising money for Alzheimer’s Ireland. She is currently working as a workshop leader and support musician for early years educational programs.