Described by The Strad as ‘a mesmerising musical treasure’, by the London Evening Standard in 2005 as ‘a phenomenal talent’, Gemma’s recording for Hyperion of the Complete Works for Cello and Orchestra of Sir Charles Stanford with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Andrew Manze was hailed as being ‘superbly played’ (BBC Music Magazine), whilst Gramophone Magazine wrote that Gemma ‘plays with disarming character and freshness; her technique too is enviably sure and tone beguilingly rounded’.
Recent and future highlights include Edward Gregson’s Cello Concerto at the Presteigne Festival, Dvořák Concerto with the Estonian National Orchestra and Vello Pähn; Elgar Cello Concerto at the Royal Festival Hall with the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Christopher Warren-Green; ‘Concello’ by Maciej Zielinski in Krakow with Sinfonietta Crokovia.
Gemma is cellist of Ensemble 360 and of the Leonore Piano Trio, with pianist Tim Horton and violinist Benjamin Nabarro, whose recordings for Hyperion have been described by the Observer as ‘revelatory, with sumptuous breadth and beguiling warmth’. The Gramophone commented ‘it is hard to imagine playing of a greater intensity’. She plays on a cello made in Naples in 1704 by Alessandro Gagliano, formerly owned and played by the Prince Regent.
