Anja Lillemæhlum is a classically trained cellist and composer, known for her lyrical sound and sensitive interpretations. With a deep passion for both traditional repertoire and contemporary music, she bridges genres and brings the cello’s voice into new and unexpected contexts.
Living on the beautiful and peaceful island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, Anja draws inspiration from the island’s calm and fresh nature – something that resonates in her music.
As a composer, she has created works that highlight her unique artistic voice, including Blessed are, of which Silent Voice forms a part. Together with composer Nicklas Schmidt, she created and recorded Nordic Desert Miniatures in 2012. In 2020 she released her debut solo album with original meditative compositions inspired by Hildegard von Bingen and Norwegian vocal traditions.
Anja has collaborated widely – from performing chamber music concerts with pianist Tanja Zapolski, among others, to working and recording with folk and pop musicians such as Alain Apaloo, Johanne, Ayi Solomon, Martin Seeberg, Mads Kjøller, and Dreamers’ Circus. She has also appeared with several of Denmark’s leading symphony orchestras.
Her EP Songs of Hope for chamber choir and cello features works by herself, Kristina Arakelyan, Jacob Narverud, and others. Anja can also be experienced in the guitar/cello duo Duo Gaudia, performing music by composers such as Egberto Gismonti, Dušan Bogdanović, Manuel de Falla, and Astor Piazzolla.
Driven by curiosity and artistry, Anja Lillemæhlum continues to explore the cello’s possibilities – always with a focus on presence, honesty, and the power of music to move people.