Asha McCarthy trained in Western Classical music at Chetham’s, where she studied with David Smith and performed many solo and chamber music concerts. Later she received a music performance degree from Dartington Arts after focusing on Jazz and Hindustani music. Her passion for North Indian Classical music then led her to study in New Delhi with Saskia Rao, a pioneer of the Indian Cello. In 2012 Asha received the Indian Council for Cultural Relations Scholarship to continue this study. Highlights of performances in India included co-composing and performing the music for Delhi Dance Theater’s Under The Tamarind Tree in Jan 2013.

Since returning to the UK, Asha plays Indian classical solo concerts, freelances with the western cello and has collaborated with dancers and musicians spanning diverse genres. Recent performances include playing in the Guy Barker Orchestra for the London Jazz festival opening gala, a trio tour in Morocco for Arabic Language Institute Fez, and solo and chamber music concerts around the UK. Alongside performance work, Asha also teaches cello, piano and a choir.