Joanna Nicolaou
Cello

Joanna Nicolaou was born in Orpington and started to play the cello at the age of six. She studied with the late William Pleeth and then went on to complete her formal studies with the late Joan Dickson at the Royal College of Music, graduating with honours in 1993. Joanna performs regularly locally and has appeared as soloist with a number of orchestras, including Sidcup, Dulwich and Eastbourne Symphony Orchestras.

Five years ago she formed Duo Cellisimo with her husband, Rafael Olbrich and together they have given concerts in the USA, Germany, Poland and Denmark. In February they will return to the USA giving concerts in Philadelphia and Kansas City. Joanna also plays regularly with the European Cello Academy, a group of twelve young cellists from all over Europe. The group regularly gives concerts in Germany and Denmark, and has toured South America twice. They have been invited back for the Autumn 2002 season.

In addition to her playing commitments Joanna is an enthusiastic teacher working together with her father at his School of Music in Orpington. Joanna's cello was made by James and Henry Banks, dated 1790. It was chosen to be part of the Exhibition celebrating 400 years of violin and bow making in the British Isles, which was held at the Royal Academy of Music in 1998.