virtuoso cello duo

CelloCella was formed in response to a demand for high quality, classical function groups in the North West. The duo consists of Ruth Dyer and Alex Holladay, the latest members to join the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra cello section. As members of the orchestra, both cellists work daily with many of the world's leading musicians, in concert halls around the country. Their shared passion for the instrument, its sound and versatility, has enabled CelloCella to flourish and to leave audiences inspired.

Ruth Dyer, originally from Preston, became a member of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in 2004. She studied cello under Hannah Roberts at the Royal Northern College of Music, and whilst still an undergraduate was already performing with professional orchestras. After graduating with honours Ruth appeared regularly with the BBC Philharmonic and Hallé orchestras, playing in many BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and also with English National Ballet and Manchester Camerata. Ruth is also an experienced session musician, having played on tour for Rod Stewart, on BBC television with Sir Cliff Richard and as backing for artists such as G4, Steps, Opera Babes and Bryn Terfel. Her work has taken her as far as Spain, Germany, Turkey, Prague, Malta and even Japan.

Alex Holladay joined the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in 2007. He holds an MA in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, and in 2005 he graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, London, where he studied with Colin Carr. There he received the prestigous DipRAM and various prizes, including the Thomas Fitton Prize for Strings for best postgraduate final recital. Alex then continued performing as a concerto soloist and throughout the country with the Lawson Piano Trio. He has been invited to play with numerous professional orchestras, including the Philharmonia, the City of Birmingham and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, the BBC Philharmonic and the Northern Ballet orchestra. Various tours have taken him to Germany, Hungary, America, South Africa and New Zealand.