500 Years | Meet the Performers
Featured
Dublin-born violinist Aisling O’Dea has had a varied career to date. Violinist, animateur, presenter and narrator of children’s stories through musical and interactive workshops. She lived and worked in Germany for 11 years before moving to the UK on being appointed to the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in 2007. A passionate musician, Aisling enjoys collaborating across art forms: art, dance and the spoken word. She is a founding member of Artisan Ensemble, a group dedicated to performances of core chamber music repertoire and contemporary compositions.
A violinist born and based in Dublin, Anita is a former member of the Irish Chamber Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra (Dublin), continuing to play with them and both the RTE Concert Orchestra and Irish National Opera. With a Masters degree in baroque violin, she is a founding and active member of the Irish Baroque Orchestra. Aside from her diverse orchestral activities, she enjoys playing early and contemporary music in smaller chamber ensembles and has premiered numerous works by Irish composers.
Violinist Emma Purslow leads the Alkyona String Quartet and collaborates regularly with ensembles and orchestras including O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra, Explore Ensemble, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, London Philharmonic and BBC Symphony Orchestra. Emma is a sought-after teacher and workshop leader, teaching at Chethams School of Music. She is a member of Quimantu, an Anglo-Chilean band dedicated to creating opportunities for people of all cultures to express themselves through music.
Scottish artist David Cass divides his time between the UK and Europe. Water plays the central role in his award-winning environmental art practice. From painting to performance, David engages his audience, presenting accessible exhibitions in response to the climate crisis — and specifically the topic of rising sea levels. ‘500 Years’ was designed for Christie’s, weaving past, present and future oceanic change, highlighting the power of art in raising crucial awareness.