performer

Cello

Oliver Miller began studies of the cello quite a long time ago, and supplemented this education with much time spent working on both jazz and classical piano, as well as drums and percussion. He has hopes that some of the sparkle from many of his great teachers has rubbed off: Lois Simpson, Susan Blake, Roger Frampton, Judy Bailey, Michael Kieran-Harvey, Graeme Leak, Richard Miller(Dad) and Wim Straesser; who have all helped to shape his musical form.

After some years performing on-and-off with ensembles like The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, The Australian Youth Orchestra, Orchestra of the Antipodes and The Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra he has over the past decade moved into a focus on chamber music and improvisation, with a large dash of electronics and sonic experimentation.

In 2009 Oliver formed and led Amphibious, composing and developing material for this sydney based 4 piece, and around a similar time helped form The NOISE, a string quartet that specialises in improvisation.

The ensembles Bungarribee, Sanctuary and The Cutlan String Project are projects that Oliver is passionately involved with, that are all developing a fascinating blend of styles and musical ideas that align well with Oliver's musical interest and approach.

ʻWhy isnʼt jazz crawling with more cellos? Here, its endless possibilities for soloing or accompanying and for opulence or edginess are exploited superbly by Sydney cellist Ollie Miller…' (Sydney Morning Herald)

'The atmosphere of Amphibious' original album [aLive & Breathing] is of jazz-infused classicism delivered in fascinating moods, from floating tranquility to surging excitement.' **** (The Australian)

'...immaculate control, this was improvisatory string playing at its uncompromising best.' (The BRAG)

'The music, equally, is located somewhere to the north-east of jazz but definitely south-south-west of European art music.....[has a] unique breadth of vision, and intricate interweaving of composed and improvised elements.' (Johnhardaker)

For the last 8 years, Oliver has been involved (as part of The NOISE 4tet) with the development of Georges Lentz' String Quartet(s). The first improvised recording for this work was on the 3rd March 2010 and the final notes for this were recorded 15th February 2018. Work on the installation space 'The Cobar Sound Chapel' is in design stage with Australian architect Glenn Murcutt. (More info coming soon.)