Based: Cape Town

Carol Thorns is an internationally acclaimed South African electric cellist, composer and performance artist, recognised as one of the pioneers of the electric string genre. Based in Cape Town, she has built a global reputation for pushing the creative boundaries of the cello through innovative live performances and visually striking musical concepts.

Carol holds a Bachelor of Music degree (Cum Laude) from Rhodes University, combining classical training with a passion for contemporary performance and production. Her work blends classical technique with modern sound design, creating immersive musical experiences that appeal to audiences across genres and cultures.

Over the years, Carol has performed extensively both locally and internationally, appearing on prestigious stages across South Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Her career highlights include opening for violin superstar Vanessa-Mae, performing for international icons such as Jennifer Lopez, and sharing events with artists including John Legend.

A prolific creator, Carol is the founder of Red Cello Productions, through which she develops original performance concepts and multimedia music shows. Her signature acts include The Bubble, CODA Africa, Rosanthorn Trio, and visually spectacular productions like The Galaxy Dress and The Blossom Dress, all designed to bring a unique visual and sonic experience to live entertainment.

Her solo albums Fireflies in the Rain and Sanctuary have both earned nominations for Best Instrumental/Classical Album at the South African Music Awards (SAMA), cementing her status as one of the country’s most innovative instrumental artists.

Carol continues to captivate audiences with her expressive playing, cinematic compositions and visually captivating performances. Whether performing solo, collaborating with other artists or presenting one of her signature stage concepts, she brings a powerful combination of musical artistry and creative imagination to every performance.