Ariella Caira (22) has been playing music since the age of 5 and has completed her grade 8 examinations for Piano, Cello and Percussion with distinction.  Studying under distinguished cellist Anmari van der Westhuizen, Ariella turned her focus to the cello. Over the years she has played in numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the National Youth Orchestra, and participated in several competitions including the Sanlam music competition while in Junior School and in the Absa Competition while in High School.  In 2000 she won the Herschel Girls' High School music scholarship and she matriculated in 2004. 

Torn between a love of music and drama, Ariella chose to follow her passion for Theatre after matriculating.  She graduated from her honours degree in Theatre and Performance in 2008 with distinction and first place for English Acting.

A chamber musician at heart, Ariella has performed with various quartets and other ensembles, including the ACE Quartet, Wired and Pizzazz.  Her diversity as a cellist as well as her wide interest in musical genres has lead her to partake in interesting projects, such as The Ten Tenors South Africa Tour and session recordings for animation.