AIR Ellen Gira — Cello

Name: AIR Ellen Gira — Cello
Start: 2026-04-15T19:30:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-15T21:00:00-04:00
Location: Mansion At Strathmore

Schedule

Wed Apr 15 2026 at 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Mansion At Strathmore | Garrett Park, MD

⛰️Concert 1: Ellen Gira with Vandalia—Wed, April 15
Cellist Ellen Gira explores the rich landscape of Appalachian Old-Time music with her trio, Vandalia, featuring fiddler Dakota Karper and guitarist Gabriel Furtado. Informed by tradition, but not chained to it, Gira and Vandalia reimagine Appalachian string-band music through engaging performances of traditional tunes and Gira's original compositions. This concert also marks the release of Vandalia's highly anticipated debut album.
🎻Free Workshop: “The Cellos Are Coming Back”: Exploring the Traditional Scottish Cello Through the Centuries—Wed, April 22
Strathmore Artist in Residence Ellen Gira invites audiences to explore the traditional Scottish cello’s storied past, from its origins in the 18th century through the present day. Once paired with the fiddle as the dance band of choice in the Scottish Highlands, the cello has expanded into new roles and performance techniques in the 21st century. In this workshop, Gira explores the music and legacy of the traditional Scottish cello, asking: How has it evolved over time? How does today’s style reflect its past? And where might this tradition lead next?
🎶Concert 2: The Scottish Cello: New Horizons and Directions—Wed, April 29
This concert places the cello at the forefront of Scottish traditional music, a role it rarely occupies. Joined by acclaimed musicians, including AIR alumni Seán Heely and Kevin Elam, cellist Ellen Gira blends her roots in Scottish music with influences further afield. Featuring familiar melodies alongside innovative original compositions, Gira offers a bold and personal reimagining of the traditional Scottish cello.