Ayanna Witter-Johnson on inspiration and collaboration

We can all be glad it does, otherwise we’d never have got to experience her undoubted musical talents as a cellist, as a singer, or as a composer. In June Witter-Johnson puts all three of these skills on display in a special two-night performance as part of our Purcell Sessions. Pulling together UK theatre pioneers, and fusing them with the sounds of UK lovers rock and the energy of soundman culture, Witter-Johnson brings us a music and theatrical collaboration; one which is made to sing that little bit more thanks to a little help from her family and friends.

Ahead of these special concerts, we managed to grab a quick catch up with the artist to ask her the important questions about how she found music, her favourite moment as a performer, and whether she ever wishes she’d taken up an instrument that’s a bit easier to carry.

What are your earliest musical memories?

Going to see the acapella vocal gospel group Sweet Honey In The Rock in concert with my mum when I was three years old, and singing along to every word of every song. Also, listening to Terence Trent D’Arby on repeat because I absolutely loved him!

When were you first introduced to classical music? Was it there from the start for you?

I had my first piano lesson at three years old, shortly after going to see that ‘Sweet Honey In The Rock’ performance. My mum clearly realised that I had some kind of musical aptitude. And along with the piano came my real introduction to classical music, where I would eventually fall in love with the sound worlds of Debussy, Scott Joplin, Mozart and Chopin.

Did you always want to be a professional musician?

No. At first I didn’t know that you could be a professional musician, besides being a pop icon.  Although I was aware that I had musical ability, as a life path it wasn’t something I had thought about. I actually wanted to be a French-language translator. 

We have to ask; the cello is quite a cumbersome instrument, have you ever wished that you chose to play something a bit more portable?

Never! I will agree that it is cumbersome but it’s an excellent conversation starter and I love talking to strangers!

‘At first I didn’t know that you could be a professional musician, other than a pop star’

When it comes to composing or creating new music, where does your inspiration come from?

I mostly take inspiration from my cultural heritage, folk stories, my life experiences, relationships with friends and family and my quest for deeper spiritual discovery and connection.

You’ve toured, performed and collaborated with some remarkable, and diverse, artists; is there one among them that you feel you connect especially strongly with, musically?

Nitin Sawhney. Collaborating with him is so easy and I love how at home he is in so many genres of music. He is remarkable!

What’s been your career highlight to date? Has there been a moment where you’ve found yourself looking around at where you are and what you’re doing and going ‘wow’?

Performing two nights as a guest artist with Andrea Bocelli at Madison Square Gardens. That was most certainly a ‘wow’ moment! 

Your upcoming Purcell Session event draws on the musical legacy of your Jamaican heritage; that is of course a broad church, but if we were to say to you simply ‘Jamaica and music’, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Bob Marley!

And lastly, the performances are also slated to feature cameos from your friends and family; any clues as to who we can expect to see joining you on stage?

A UK Jazz vocal legend, someone who has contributed to 50% of my DNA, and expect some other surprises too, but I’m not giving any more away.