Geoff Palmer has a particular love of the cello and, since moving to Aberdeenshire and has performed many well-loved cello favourites and lots of contemporary music at the University of Aberdeen and other venues in the City and Shire. In 2023 he asked the Scottish luthier Ian Grieg if he would make a new cello for him – a labour of love which Ian readily undertook, and which took two years to complete.
At this evening’s event, you will hear the story of the creation of the resulting very special instrument. Ian and Geoff will discuss the whole creative process and share Ian’s comprehensive photographic record at each stage from selecting the wood in northern Italy to applying the final coat of varnish. The final stage is to listen to the voice of the new cello in the wonderful acoustic of St Margaret’s. Geoff will play music written from the 18th to the 21st centuries on the new cello, including JS Bach's Fourth Cello Suite and Kian Soltani's 'Persian Fire Dance’. After the interval he will be joined by Imogene Newland in a performance of Brahms’ mighty F Major Sonata for cello and piano. The performance may also include music from Geoff’s parallel career, which has taken him on many journeys in Europe and North America writing music for other people!
lan Greig is a violin maker and graduate of the prestigious International School of Violin Making at Newark-On-Trent. With a passion for crafting exquisite string instruments, he specializes in creating violins, cellos and violas of exceptional quality. lan Greig's commitment to his craft and dedication to producing instruments of the highest quality have earned him a reputation among musicians and collectors worldwide. His instruments are sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship, tonal richness and playability.
The pianist Imogene Newland has performed with the Silfurberg Ensemble in Iceland, Avanti Trio in Aberdeen and as part of the two pianos duo KLAT[S]CH with Bob Gilmore. She has recorded with Channel 4 and Icelandic State Television. She gained a PhD from the Sonic Arts Research Centre and the much-coveted Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music, under the tutelage of Joseph Long and Nigel Clayton.