GX2: THE DON SHIRLEY TRIO PROJECT – with Gabriella Swallow cello

Launched at Ronnie Scott’s, GX2: The Don Shirley Trio Project reimagines the genre-defying work of visionary pianist/composer Don Shirley, who reached new audiences in the film Green Book. Led by Artist-in-Residence Gabriella Swallow cello and Giacomo Smith clarinet/sax (the two ‘G’s of GX2), with Mercury nominee Joe Webb piano and Will Sach bass, the project explores Shirley’s celebrated trio repertoire, including pioneering recordings with cellist Ken Fricker.

Spirituals and standards such as Water Boy and The Man I Love form the programme’s core, revealing Shirley’s unique blend of classical precision, jazz sophistication and deep emotional resonance.

Tonight’s event is also part of our America250 season.

Gabriella Swallow has emerged as one of the most versatile and exciting cellists of her generation. She studied at The Royal College of Music and was awarded the coveted Tagore Gold Medal and performed Hugh Wood’s Cello Concerto in her final year after winning the concerto competition. In 2013 she made her Wigmore Hall debut with the soprano Ruby Hughes and in the same season performed at the La Jolla SummerFest in San Diego, the Aldeburgh Festival with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and the Cambridge Jazz Festival as a member of the celebrated British Jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock’s Quintet. She was also invited by Nigel Kennedy and his band to perform with them at the Bethlehem Unwrapped Festival at St James’s Church, Piccadilly. . She also toured the U.K. with Nigel Kennedy and his new Four Season band. In 2019 she continued her collaboration with Kennedy playing concerts of Gershwin and in Poland they performed his Hendrix Project with legendary guitarist Mike Stern.

Gabriella is very involved with the classical club night scene and has acted as string curator of Music Orbit’s string night ‘Strung Out’ and performs frequently at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club ‘Classical Kicks’ night curated by violinist Lizzie Ball and at Gabriel Prokofiev’s Nonclassical club nights. In February 2014 she launched her first classical club night under her own name ‘Gabriella Swallow and her Urban Family’ at The Forge in Camden.

We offer a wide range of discounts, including concessions for students, benefits recipients, carers/essential companions, and Under 30s, plus special standby rates for students and under‑25s (ID required). Family pricing applies to selected events. For further details please see Booking Information | Lichfield Festival or ask our Box Office team.