R2ViolinCello — the dynamic husband-and-wife duo of violinist Rhys Watkins and cellist Rowena Calvert — are proud to announce their new EP Mission Impossible. The release arrives on December 5, 2025. Two days later, they will celebrate with a launch concert at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok.
Their music blends virtuosic classical performance with cinematic sound design. As a result, the duo offers a bold reinterpretation of iconic film scores. Each track is re-imagined for the rare pairing of violin and cello, while electronic textures restore the dramatic scale of a full orchestra.
A Cinematic EP with a Bold Vision
The EP features four legendary scores:
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Mission Impossible
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Duel of the Fates
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Imperial March
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Schindler’s List
The project began during the COVID lockdowns. At that time, the duo asked composer Simon Parkin to transform epic orchestral works into technically dazzling duets. This challenge revealed new possibilities for the violin–cello format. Later, the project expanded with sound designer Albin Dominic (India), who added powerful electronic backdrops. Consequently, each arrangement regained its original cinematic impact.
“This project revealed a new identity for us,” says Rowena. “It showed that two instruments, supported by bold sound architecture, can match the force of a full orchestra.”
EP Launch Concert
Date: December 7
Venue: Chatrium Hotel Riverside, Bangkok
Program: Film-score arrangements with immersive electronic tracks
Tickets: Available through the duo’s website and social platforms
A Story That Began in Lockdown and Evolved in Thailand
The duo’s journey began during the pandemic. When concert halls closed, Rhys and Rowena performed together for the first time through the London Symphony Orchestra’s Coffee Concert livestreams. Their chemistry was immediate, and R2ViolinCello was born.
A year later, they relocated to Bangkok for a short sabbatical. However, the trip quickly became a turning point. They met Chris Craker — record producer, former Sony Music Vice President, and former LSO clarinettist — who invited them to record at Karma Studios. This collaboration shaped their artistic direction and eventually led to the creation of the R2 International Concert Series.
World-Class Musicians Behind the Music
Rhys Watkins
Rhys is a Welsh violinist and Royal Academy graduate. He performed with the London Symphony Orchestra for 17 years and toured internationally. His violin appears on major films, including Harry Potter, Star Wars, Thor, The Avengers, Twilight, The Imitation Game, Cinderella, The Shape of Water, Zero Dark Thirty, and The King’s Speech.
He has also performed with world-renowned artists such as Sir Paul McCartney, Queen, Elton John, Bryan Adams, Eric Clapton, Annie Lennox, Tom Jones, Tony Bennett, and Phil Collins.
Rowena Calvert
Rowena is a British cellist and former member of the acclaimed Cavaleri String Quartet. She has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, and the Royal Festival Hall. Her work is heard regularly on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. She has also contributed to soundtracks for Mission Impossible, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, and Pixar’s Up.
Her collaborations include Billie Eilish (BRIT Awards), Hans Zimmer, Nigel Kennedy, Ralph Fiennes, and Sir Paul McCartney. She is currently Head of Strings at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok and artistic director of two international concert series.
A Life Rich in Stories: From Houseboats to Hollywood
Beyond their musical success, the duo’s personal journey is equally striking.
For five years, they lived on two houseboats on the River Thames and hosted candle-lit concerts for small audiences who arrived by boat.
Rowena ran two music schools in India during a gap year.
Their daughter now participates in unusual activities in Thailand, including ostrich racing and holding baby alligators at birthday parties.
Rhys is the son of Welsh rugby legend Stuart Watkins, capped 26 times for Wales.
Rowena’s family was featured in the BBC series This Farming Life, which documented their self-sufficient lifestyle in the Scottish Highlands.
Together, they have contributed to more than 100 major film soundtracks.
“We have lived in orchestras, on rivers, in India, in studios, and now in Bangkok,” says Rhys. “This EP feels like the culmination of everything we have learned.”
Looking Ahead with Ambition
Alongside the EP release, R2ViolinCello are developing their Virtuoso Academy. This new platform aims to support the next generation of young instrumentalists. Moreover, they hope to attract a patron who can help Rowena acquire a Stradivarius cello — a crucial step in her long-term artistic development.
