Carol Thorns’ Amazing Grace strums at the heartstrings
Award-winning South African cellist, Carol Thorns, has just released a new single and video to honour the deep feelings of losing loved ones.“In 2024, I lost my mother and my ‘second mother’ (my aunt), as well as two very good musician friends, singer Zami Mdingi and composer/producer Helmut Meijer,” Thorns says. “My grief was too much to bear. Playing my cello was the only thing that brought me comfort. ‘Amazing Grace’ resonated with me during this time. This timeless piece, composed in 1772, became a lifeline for me. I wanted to share that feeling of comfort with people who are also grieving for loved ones who are no longer with them.”
For the recording, Thorns entrusted the piano arrangement to Kev Lee (based in Sydney, Australia), and Konstand Spies recorded and produced the single. Thorns says that the result exceeded her expectations. “When I heard it, I knew immediately that I had to make a music video to capture the essence of my experience.”
The video was filmed in a candlelit chapel at The Sanctuary, La Roche, in Franschhoek. Eight people helped light (and keep lit) the 600 candles. Thorns says: “Although it all looks perfect and peaceful on camera, it was a windy day and we were scrambling to tape up the gaps around windows and under doors. Incredibly, not a single person spoke during the recording. It was an extraordinary experience.”
Thorns says, “It brings me a sense of peace to know that this song and video comforts others. I've been a musician for decades. This moment in time really connected me to the bigger picture, the incredible bond that we as humans share in our collective experiences.”
Carol Thorns is a pioneering electric cellist who is recognised as one of South Africa's leading artists in the electric string genre. She is known for her innovative approach and passion for unique concepts. She has a portfolio of original projects and music brands that blend audio and visual experiences, each designed to take the cello to new heights. These include The Bubble (also known as "That Girl in the Bubble"), CODA Africa (an Afro-fusion band), The Galaxy Dress, The Blossom Dress, and Rosanthorn.
Carol has shared the stage with global icons including Vanessa Mae, Elton John, J Lo and John Legend. Her red electric cello has captivated audiences in London, Scotland, the UAE, Switzerland, Finland, Iceland, India and Eastern Europe.
In March 2023, she played at the opening of the Bidvest Gala Dinner in Reykjavik, Iceland, performing in her signature bubble. “The Bubble”. Her audiovisual show, ‘Red Cello Electrified’, received a 4 out of 5 star rating at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/AE_knA-BHto?si=JaibusBUEusqYlkK