Bio - Clíodhna Ní Aodáin
Clíodhna Ní Aodáin is an Irish cellist, composer, conductor and educator based in Bern, Switzerland. Classically trained in Dublin, Vienna, Manchester, Montréal and Zurich, she holds a Bachelor of Music (Hons) from the Royal Northern College of Music, a Master of Music in Interpretation from the Université de Montréal and a Konzertdiplom with distinction from the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste. She brings together her classical heritage with a deep connection to the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland.
Founder of The Celtic Cello, Clíodhna explores the expressive possibilities of the cello within traditional music, drawing inspiration from the ornamentation, phrasing and freedom of sean-nós singing. Her work is rooted in listening, improvisation and a lifelong curiosity about musical expression.
She has performed internationally and collaborated with artists including David Darling, Martin Hayes and Cormac Begley. Her three solo albums have received international radio play and critical acclaim, including praise from Martin Hayes, Eugene Friesen and David Darling. Her latest album, For the Love of Trees, brings together her love of music, nature and Ireland.
Clíodhna has taught cello at the Musikschule Konservatorium Bern since 2004 and conducts the Orchester Divertimento Bern and the children’s string orchestra Die Tigerbande. She also performs with the string quartet Imaginary Roots.
Her passion is creating connection, joy and a sense of belonging through music.