Caroline Dale

The story behind the sound

Caroline Dale is a prominent cellist and arranger, working across classical, pop and film music. Caroline studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London and later with the legendary Pierre Fournier in Geneva. At 15, she was the youngest ever recipient of the Isserlis Scholarship. Caroline was a member of the Nigel Kennedy Quartet and the Balanescu Quartet, as well as founder member of the American-based Apollo Piano Trio. Prior to her appointment as Principal Cellist of the English Chamber Orchestra, she was principal of the BT Scottish Ensemble and the London Chamber Orchestra. Caroline has appeared as concerto soloist with the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, while her recording career includes the solo cello music for the films Hilary and Jackie and Truly Madly Deeply. In 1995, she formed the group Ghostland, writing and performing her own music with the band and recording on the Warner and Instant Karma labels. In 2003, she released her solo album, Such Sweet Thunder, which combined classical repertoire with her own compositions. In 2007, Caroline was selected as the solo cellist on the film Atonement, performing music that won composer Dario Marianelli the Oscar for Best Original Film Score. Marianelli subsequently dedicated his Atonement Suite for cello and piano to Caroline. As a string arranger, Caroline has worked on albums for U2, Joan Armatrading, Sinead O’Connor, David Gray, Belinda Carlisle, Squeeze and Simply Red. She also plays electric cello and has toured with David Gilmour, Sinead O’Connor and David Gray. When not busy touring or in London, Caroline lives in rural Wiltshire with her beloved horse Colin and adored dog Peggy.