Biography

Unboundaried contemporary instrumental music composed and performed by UK cellist Jo Quail.

Jo Quail is a London-based composer and virtuoso cellist, widely recognised for her innovative use of live looping and her ability to create immersive, emotionally powerful music from a single instrument. Performing solo and with ensembles, choirs, and orchestras, her work bridges contemporary classical, experimental, and heavy music with striking clarity and depth.

She has performed internationally at major venues and festivals including the Royal Albert Hall (UK), Hellfest (France), Melbourne Recital Centre (Australia), and Roadburn Festival (Netherlands). Her live performances have been described by Distorted Sound Magazine as leaving audiences “utterly spellbound by the talents of this extraordinary woman.”

Jo’s discography includes From the Sea, Caldera, Five Incantations, Exsolve, The Cartographer, Invocation / Supplication, and Notan. Her latest album, Notan, was widely acclaimed, with Distorted Sound Magazine calling it “potentially her greatest album to date.” The Cartographer charted simultaneously in the classical, metal, and progressive charts.

As a commissioned composer, Jo’s recent works include Enschede (2025) for 100-piece symphonic wind orchestra, Macha (Dutch Nationale Taptoe), and The Cartographer (Roadburn Festival). She has collaborated and toured with artists including Caspian, Enslaved, Emma Ruth Rundle, and Wardruna.

Jo is grateful for the support of Roland BOSS, specifically her RC-600 and GT-1000 pedals; Cosmic Ears for In-Ear Monitoring; and D’Addario Orchestral for her Kaplan cello strings.

Concerts

• 24

  Oct, 2026
  Penylan Studios, Meifod, Wales – please email jasper@penylanstudios.com for tickets :)
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• 12

  Dec, 2026
  Salisbury, UK – I’m delighted to be returning to the BEAUTIFUL setting of Woodford Village Hall for a headline concert , and we will be treated to Laura Daligan performing an opening set too – a magical evening!
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• 20

  Feb, 2027
  AMUZ Antwerp BE – ‘Psalm 2’ – a very special evening of performances including Towards The Sinister, Stainthorpe/Quail/Deeks, Pantheist, Dead Space Chamber Music and Costin Chiorneau
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• 21

  Aug, 2027
  Symphonic Metal Echoes, Romania – Stainthorpe, Quail and Deeks trio performance between 20 – 22 August :)
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