Cellist – Margit van der Zwan

LIVE SESSIONS – COACHING – RECORDING – THEATRE – RADIO – TV

hello@margitvanderzwan.com

Cellist Margit van der Zwan in a red dress holding a cello while standing up.

Alongside my work as an illustrator I have a music career, working as a freelance cellist. I feel fortunate that this allows me to perform at incredible venues (for example the Royal Albert Hall, Glastonbury’s Pyramid stage, Abbey Road Studios, Wembley Stadium, on TV and radio), collaborating with wonderful musicians along the way: Emeli Sande, Jools Holland, Elbow, Snow Patrol, Roy Wood, the Cinematic Orchestra, Dutch Uncles, Ferocious Dog and many more.

My work always leads to varied opportunities, e.g. touring and recording with bands, performing in schools with books I have written, and theatre work such as Cabaret (Carré Amsterdam/dir. Sam Mendes), The Prince & the Pauper (New Vic Theatre/dir. Theresa Heskins), MD at The Queen’s Theatre London. I am involved with several charities (Music in Hospitals & Care, Lime Art, High Peak Community Arts) and orchestras (e.g. Baroque in the North, British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra) and ensembles (Cupid’s Bow cello duo, Celloship of the String, Duo Bellatando).

Jazz singing is a recent venture, performing my own songs alongside jazz standards (Ribble Valley Jazz & Blues Festival (2023, 2024), Chew’s Yard (2024, 2025).

I also worked as a Music Coach on the TV series Get Even (BBC/Netflix).

For enquiries about recording, live sessions, theatre, performances or anything else please get in touch.

LISTEN…

Radio interview for The Full Totnes Breakfast Show with Julie Mullen

Artists and Pets Podcast interview with Peter Humphreys

My Funny Valentine Jazz singing performance

Duo Bellatando Harp & Cello duo

Cupid’s Bow Cello Duo Cello duo

Celloship of the String Cello Quartet

Lady Bird Music (Jagger/Gladwin/Van der Zwan)vocals & cello

White Van (written and performed by Margit van der Zwan)

The World (written and performed by Margit van der Zwan)

Hearts, Hearts (written and performed by Margit van der Zwan)

Smiling cellist sitting on a Mastermind chair next to a silver cello case in Salford BBC TV studios next to Mastermind sign

MIF High tea in wonderland showing the queen of hearts and the white rabbit as actors

string section of emeli sande performing at the Royal Albert Hall

Rachael and the Red Socks performance in Belgium

carre theatre performance of Cabaret 2009 with the cellist dressed in black smiling

a Manchester String Quartet looking at the camera

Cupid's Bow cello duo in balck gowns smiling at the camera

Cello Quartet Celloship of the String performs at Lyme Park

closeup of string players at Wembley stadium for an elbow performance supporting U2

Artful playground performance of Lolly Pops and Circus Props

Margit van der Zwan is playing cello in a blue dress. She is performing jazzy songs and mellow cello on 14th Feb, Chews Yard, Preston and next week has an exhibition of portraits All Made Up at Trinity Hub, Clitheroe

Margit van der Zwan is holding a cello above her head by the river. She is performing jazzy songs and mellow cello on 14th Feb, Chews Yard, Preston and next week has an exhibition of portraits All Made Up at Trinity Hub, Clitheroe

Cellist Margit Van Der Zwan plays a solo rendition of Oasis' "Don't Look Back In Anger" at the Suicide Prevention vifil held at Salford Quays.

High Tea In Wonderland performance featuring the red queen and a dodo for Manchester International Festival MIF

The Earth Asleep performance with music by Robin Richards

Just So Festival performance by Margit van der Zwan

smiling blonde woman on a chair with a cello in a black evening dress

“Thank you so much for playing with us last night and fitting in with the vibe so wonderfully well! We really appreciated your patience, professionalism, good humour and, of course, brilliant playing.” – Roy Wood Management (Birmingham Symphony Hall)

“Margit was wonderfully friendly, calm and professional. And her music was simply fantastic!!! If you need a cellist, stop right here, you’ve found the one for you.” – M.B. (Corporate)

“Thank you so much, the music was wonderful and so powerful and really enhanced the event. […] Thanks again you were amazing!!” -Stuart C. (private party)

“Sophie and I just wanted to say thank you so so much for making our wedding magical with your beautiful cello playing and wonderful presence. Our guests commented many times how absolutely wonderful you were and how magical it was to have your music at the ceremony. And from what I could see the little people at the wedding gravitated towards you and especially enjoyed ‘Let it Go and ‘Harry Potter’ 😉 I can’t tell you how special and moving it was to have you play ‘Quilting Theme’ as we walked down the aisle, it was hard to hold back the tears as I entered the room and heard your beautiful arrangement. It was simply stunning. You looked amazing at the wedding […] I can’t wait to recommended you to everyone should they need some beautiful music, a friendly kind soul that you are, and the best cello music they will hear. Your artful music really sung into the soul, so thank you Margit” -Sophie G.