Abel Selaocoe & The Bantu Ensemble at Royal Northern College of Music

South African cellist Abel Selaocoe is a rapidly rising star who is redefining the parameters of the cello. He moves seamlessly across a plethora of genres and styles, from collaborations with world musicians and beatboxers, to concertos and solo performances. Selaocoe combines virtuosic performance with improvisation, singing and body percussion, and is devoted to composing works and curating programmes that highlight the links between Western and non-Western musical traditions, broadening the horizons of classical music to reach a more diverse audience.

Abel Selaocoe:
Ibuyile I’Africa (Africa is Back)
Ka Bohaleng (On the Sharp Side)
Zawose (for Hukwe Zawose)
Lerato (Love)
Ancestral Affirmations

Giovanni Benedetto Platti Cello Sonata No 7 in D major
J S Bach Sarabande from Cello Suite No 3 in C major BWV 1009
J S Bach Sarabande from Cello Suite No 5 in C minor BWV 1011

Abel Selaocoe cello and vocals
Fred Thomas piano
Alan Keary bass
Sidiki Dembélé African percussion

Abel is both an alumnus and Honorary Associate Artist, and RNCM is delighted to welcome him back this autumn as part of his debut album tour, Hae Ke Kae (Where is Home).