The Magic Tree

Today’s lunchtime concert is magical. We’ve gone along to listen to a violin and cello combo advertised as providing a programme of ‘classical music reimagined’. We’re intrigued, but nothing could prepare us for what The Magic Tree Collective delivered. 

Trained classical musicians, Garwyn and David transport us into other worlds - it’s both timeless and medieval, sometimes sounding Icelandic, sometimes oriental.  They play in a completely different way from anything we’ve heard before. Both sing as they play, Garwyn providing, at times, a bass-baritone underpinning, while David sings in otherworldly sounds, frequently using his ethereal countertenor/falsetto in such a way that sometimes it’s hard to know whether it is his voice or violin that’s singing. 

Most of their work comes from improvisation, inspired by nature - woodland, moon phases, seasons. They improvise a piece today - playing and vocalising with pure empathy. Other pieces have been developed from improvisations to become part of their repertoire.  It is mesmerising, transporting one away from the present into other worlds. Dressed in earth-toned linens, hair long - though Garwyn’s is tied back - they seem from another more elemental time.  Performed in a church founded as a Cistercian monastery in 1186 which for a hundred years was the burial place of the Princes of Gwynedd adds to the sense of ‘otherness’. 

Photographing them performing is impossible, but they’re happy to pose for photos afterwards - though it’s clear they’re not really comfortable, seeming very humble and unassuming.  Catching them just chatting informally is far more successful, I feel. 

Today’s main is David in the churchyard, with both Garwyn and David inside the church chatting after the performance. 

They do have several YouTube recordings of their work which obviously can only be appreciated through listening: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLQBB4RG7OQ

And then in the evening, another musical event - completely different in style. We attend a concert by Welsh of the West End - young, largely local, singers who have performed West End musicals and came ‘together’ in lockdown. They continue to perform in concerts like this and are excellent.  Yes, July is a very busy month and, in all honestly, I’m struggling to keep up with it all! 



If you’re interested, I’ve added brief biographies of the two musicians as it’s hard to provide links:  
Garwyn Linnell is a Canadian born Welsh-Chinese cellist and musician with a deep passion for exploring diverse music genres, artistic collaborations, and innovative performance styles. After completing his classical performance studies at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, and the Royal Academy of Music in London, Garwyn broadened his artistic horizons, embracing a wide range of creative expressions.
His work often bridges disciplines, collaborating with poets, dancers, painters, and other artists to incorporate improvisation and experimental elements into his music Garwyn also specializes in merging sound and contemplative practice through his interest in Daoist meditation practices and sound healing, integrating his musical experience with Cha-Dao tea ceremonies, sound baths, and tradition ritual sound practices. Garwyn is also a co-founder of the Magic Tree Collective, a creative initiative that curates immersive musical and sound events. The collective celebrates the beauty of nature through a blend of traditional folk music, contemporary innovation, and world music, fostering connections between sound, art, and the natural world.
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David Edward is a musician, artist and multi-instrumentalist, currently based in London.⁠ Known for the ability to channel both feminine and masculine energies through their ethereal voice and evocative compositions, Davids art serves as a bridge between worlds, creating music that offers a transformative journey, inviting listeners into a world of magic, connection and introspection. Often performing at events such as sound baths and sound healings, David is passionate about prioritising the healing properties of music, and enjoys to perform live in spaces where people feel safe to let go and explore their inner worlds.⁠