About
Rupert Gillett is a British cellist, bassist, composer and producer. He is an internationally respected jazz cello player and a specialist in many alternative cello techniques. Over the years, he has performed with numerous ensembles in a variety of genres, both on cello and double bass. He has played concerts and festivals all over the world as well as locations such as Buckingham Palace, the Orient Express and at the Paralympic Games. He has also performed many times on BBC Radio and television and worked extensively as a studio musician.
Rupert has worked with many renowned musicians and producers such as jazz legend Jacqui Dankwork MBE, Liam Watson (White Stripes) and Alison Moyet (Yazoo). He has performed for HRH Prince Phillip, Brad Pitt, Jude Law, Jeremy Clarkson, Orlando Bloom, Ray Davies, Charles Dance, Salmon Rushdie and many more.
As a composer, Rupert has had various works published by Boosey & Hawkes and Con Moto Publications. He was commissioned to write the song cycle Memories of the Mayflower (2020) to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the pilgrims. As a producer and engineer, Rupert works from his own Holly Barn Studios and has worked on albums by award winning artists such as Katy Carr, Frank Denyer and others.
Rupert co-directs the 100 piece Cello Orchestra at the Celloakademie Rutesheim, Germany. Over the years, he has given numerous workshops in cello improvisation or Klezmer/Balkan Music at the Royal Academy of Music Junior Dept., the New Directions Cello Festival as well as various other institutions and festivals.