Electric cellist Carol Thorns will host her album launch event of her solo album, Sanctuary, at The Sanctuary at La Roche in Franschhoek next Wednesday (18 January) at 19:00.
The album, launched in December, is already available on streaming platforms.
Thorns has an engaging performance style, while her innovative musical concepts have seen her open for Vanessa Mae and Elton John. The sought-after performer has played at prestigious events throughout South Africa, Europe and the UAE. Her portfolio of original cello projects, Red Cello Productions, include showstopper acts such as “The Bubble”, “Rosanthorn Trio”, “CODA Africa” and “The Galaxy Dress”.
On Sanctuary her sumptuous cello gives listeners an opportunity to connect to a more soulful world as it glides over layers strings, orchestra and piano. This is music for mindfulness, stillness and sanctuary.
The album is a well-considered collection of covers and original works inspired by the minimalism of Philip Glass and film music of Max Richter. Popular songs such as “Quietly Yours” (Birdy), “Ocean Eyes” (Billie Eilish) and “Shallow” (Lady Gaga) are given brand-new treatment that delivers serious emotional punch. The cello soars over poignant harmonies of layered strings, piano and orchestra – goosebump-inducing stuff.
The background story to the album starts during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the music industry came to a complete standstill. Thorns felt compelled to keep up with her performing, delivering three community concerts on the island at Patrysfontein Dam, drawing a crowd of up to 250 people a time, along with a lockdown series of 10 performances weekly outside her home in Franschhoek.
“I did this as much for myself as for the community,” Thorns explained. “Music was my sanctuary over this time. We relearnt what is important in life and I wanted to capture the music and memories of this period with a new release.”
The album is recorded and produced by composer Helmut Meijer, and follows on her debut album Fireflies In The Rain, which was created with Meijer in 2010 and nominated for the Best Instrumental Album at the South African Music Awards. An interesting backstory is that two of the pieces, “Butterflying” and “Dawn”, were performed by Meijer’s mother, Rina Smith, who is in her 80s.
Sanctuary is fully home-grown, with recordings done partly at The Sanctuary at La Roche and the video of the first single, “Quietly Yours”, was created by The Jupiter Studio in Franschhoek. It is produced by Lule Osche and directed by Jade Mulvaney. “I’m immensely proud of this video,” Thorns related. “I worked with the very best in the industry – and all based right here.” The video produced by Luke Osche and directed by Jade Mulvaney.
Tickets for the Franschhoek launch cost R250 pp, to be bought online via Quicket or by emailing Thorns at carol@redcello.co.za.
