Cellibears Cello Ensemble
The Cellibears are an adult amateur cello ensemble in Berlin. We meet for weekly rehearsals and organize a community concert twice a year. Our repertoire is a mix of musical styles between classical, jazz, pop and tango – any member can suggest their favorite pieces!
All levels are welcome – from beginner to intermediate and advanced players: the different voices are arranged to accommodate any skill level from first to thumb position. We are led by BCA founder Natasha Jaffe, who started the Cellibears in 2016 (why? find out here!). The focus of our rehearsals is to learn how to play and resonate together as a group. We organize monthly community events – a great way to get to know us!
🇩🇪🇬🇧 🎶 Rehearsals are in English and German – we have both German and non-German-speaking members and believe in the connecting power of music.
📍 We rehearse Mondays from 7-9pm close to U8 Voltastraße.
❤️ The membership fee is 20–40€ per month (what you can afford – additional discounts are available for people with very small budgets). 🎁 Added bonus: Cellibears members enjoy a 50% discount on all BCA group classes and workshops!
The Cello Circle
A completely original concept by BCA co-founder Dalai Cellai, The Cello Circle is a monthly workshop where cello players of all levels come together to learn, play, and explore music in a supportive group setting. Each edition focuses on a particular creative theme – film music, seasonal sounds, improvisation, world songs – making it an inspiring space to grow your skills, connect with others, and enjoy making music together.
You can be a regular participant, but you can also just drop in for a particular theme that interests you! See course calendar for upcoming Cello Circle sessions.
What Cello Circle participants say:
“I love how smoothly Dalai moderates the cello circles. The sheets she prepares always offer room for different player niveaus that she knows to integrate well. The cello circle in presence is a very funny and warm experience, also in online it's pleasant to participate as Dalai also knows how to integrate the cellists on the other side of the camera!”
– Richard, participant in several Cello Circles in-person & online
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“Dalai's Cello Circle always offers an exciting topic with a clear intention and structure, which is still conducted with ease. The Circle allows us to understand and experience “playing” on both a knowledge and energetic level. […] It is precisely this combination of understanding, trust, and playing that is a real pleasure for me, stimulating my curiosity, inspiring me to discover more about the cello, and giving me room to grow. Above all, it's a lot of fun every time!"
– Maki, in-person Cello Circle participant
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I love that I am able to play with other cellist without pressure as a very beginner. Through the guidance of Dalai, it is easy and a lot of fun to play on the spot, and the vibe is just amazing.
– Lisa, in-person Cello Circle participant
📌 Next Cello Circle:
Cello Community Events
As part of the Cellibears Cello Ensemble, the BCA organizes monthly community events that are open to the cello community of Berlin: anyone with a cello is invited to join our open rehearsals.
Events typically include a thematic mini-workshop, taught by experienced cello teachers and artists of the BCA collective, and some joint music sight-reading or impro fun. Check the BCA Calendar to find out what next month's event will be about! The events take place close to U8 Voltastraße.
The participation fee for community events that include a workshop is 15€ (for non-members; free for Cellibears members).