Susie Blankfield is a London-based cellist who is experienced in performing in an eclectic mix of styles from classical to hip-hop, jazz, pop and folk music.
She is a graduate of Bristol University and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where her Masters involved a solo recital as part of the Square Mile Music Series, a project on the benefits of Dalcroze-Eurhythmics on young children in instrumental teaching and a dissertation on nineties hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest.
From 2017-2018, Susie was part of Biffy Clyro’s live band, writing cello parts for their MTV Unplugged album and performing extensively across Europe. Her arrangements have been performed in prestigious UK venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Camden Roundhouse, St. David’s Hall and Manchester Opera House, as well as abroad at venues including Paradiso (Amsterdam), Bataclan (Paris), Philharmonie am Gasteig (Munich), Teatro del Varme (Milan), Laieszhalle (Hamburg), DR Koncerthuset (Copenhagen) and Oslo Opera House.
Susie’s cross-genre interests have led her to take part in a variety of exciting projects. Artists she has recently worked with include Dermot Kennedy, Winnie Raeder, Samm Henshaw, Mr Eazi, Freya Ridings, James Arthur, Grace Carter and Jade Bird, as well as Australian comedy improv duo The Bear Pack and folk band Me & My Friends (cello and backing vocals). As a member of the Outlook Orchestra, she has performed with artists across the reggae and grime spectrum including Julian Marley, Freddie McGregor, Maxi Priest and Newham Generals, as well as with legendary dubstep producer Mala. As a session player, she has recorded for BBC Radio 1 (Live Lounge, Annie Mac & Huw Stephens shows) and 1Live Radio Germany and has arranged strings for Channel 4. TV appearances include Top of the Pops, The BRIT Awards, The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, The Sara Cox Show (ITV1) and Late Night Berlin. Susie made her theatre debut as onstage solo cellist in Watford Palace Theatre's 2018 revival of Arthur Miller's Broken Glass. She has been part of VR installations at the National Theatre and Raindance Film Festival (2019).
Susie is committed to music education. She has taught Early Years music, whole-class strings and piano lessons for the Tower Hamlets and Camden music services, currently assists in weekly workshops for Soundcastle and is Community Ambassador to the London Symphony Orchestra. Susie often combines her performance and teaching skills to create lively and exciting projects.
Iliana Kanellopoulou, 2018
