Concerts with South African cellist Abel Selaocoe are always an experience. Not only because he combines his classical virtuoso skills with body percussion and vocals from his homeland, but also because he continually seeks to connect with the audience. At his most recent concert with the Aurora Orchestra, he transformed the Elbphilharmonie into a large choir, creating magical moments. He also delights audiences all over the world with his solo programs. The British newspaper "Telegraph" described him as a "radiantly talented one-man band" for his unique combination of cello, rhythm, and vocals.

EPSG:4326

Abel Selaocoe, Cello

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

Abel Selaocoe is a boundary-breaking South African cellist who’s redefining what classical music can be. This remarkable artist moves effortlessly between musical worlds, weaving together Western classical traditions with the rich musical heritage of Africa. He released his second album, Hymns of Bantu, this past spring, and at Caramoor Selaocoe will perform a program that includes New York premieres of new Caramoor co-commissions by Michel van der Aa, Ben Nobuto, and Selaocoe himself, as well as works by Colin Alexander and Kit Downes and excerpts from Bach cello suites. His passion for making classical music accessible to everyone shines through in every note. Prepare for a concert that will challenge your expectations and open your ears to new possibilities.

Abel Selaocoe, cello

The Rosen House at Caramoor

Did you ever think that “serious” new music could make you laugh? Seriously? It’s not usual for a piece of new music to get an audience to at least chuckle but it’s likely that the work by Bernard Lang on this concert will do just that—and do it with a highly exuberant take on some of the most important elements found in the music of today. Also, in this program Esprit again gives World Premieres of new works for chamber orchestra and contrasts a solo work for piano with larger works by the same composer (Gabriella Smith) performed earlier in the season. A reprise of Harman’s Partita provides listeners the chance to hear Mark Fewer perform this immensely virtuosic piece in the fine acoustic environment of Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. Another highlight will be the appearance of Wallace Halladay on saxophone as featured soloist in the Lang. And can you imagine what an Imaginary Pancake sounds like?

Imaginary Pancake

Trinity-St. Paul's United Church and Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts

Ever felt overstimulated by your phone screen? Ben Nobuto’s SERENITY 2.0 is a glitched-out collage of frenzied strings, percussion and samples. It cycles restlessly through Japanese pop, news anchors, and vocal-fried YouTubers – but the calm after the doomscrolling is worth the ride.

Manchester Collective: SERENITY 2.0

RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music)

One minute, the sound vibrates through you, your hairs pulled on end. The next: a blissful calm descends. There’s furious amplified sound and then mysterious, holy light to slow the pulse back down…

Manchester Collective: Serenity 2.0

The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds

### Event Description: Noh Reimagined - New Music by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group

**Date and Time:**  
Sunday, 23 June 2024  
Pre-concert talk: 3:30 PM  
Concert: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

**Location:**  
CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Ticket Prices:**  
- General: £15.00  
- Student: £7.50  
- Under 12s: FREE with a paying adult

**Event Overview:**
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for an enchanting afternoon as they present "Noh Reimagined," a captivating concert that merges ancient Japanese Noh Theatre traditions with contemporary music. This event marks the second half of BCMG's exploration into the world of Noh Theatre, featuring world premieres of new compositions by Ben Nobuto and Hollie Harding.

**Program Highlights:**
- **Hollie Harding (b. 1986) - NOH TRIPTYCH 2024**  
  *World Premiere, Sound Investment Commission*
  
- **Ben Nobuto (b. 1996) - interbeing 2024**  
  *World Premiere, Sound Investment Commission*
  
- **Toshio Hosokawa (b. 1955) - Slow Dance 1996**
  
- **Misato Mochizuki (b. 1969) - Voilages 2000**

**About Noh Theatre:**
Noh is a traditional Japanese theatre form that originated in the 14th and 15th centuries, developed by the renowned performer-playwrights Kannami and Zeami. Known for its stylized movement, masks, exquisite costumes, and symbolic staging, Noh creates a unique and powerful theatrical experience. This concert is the culmination of a special 2-year cultural exchange between traditional Noh artists and contemporary composers, facilitated by MU:Arts.

**Experience:**
- New music infused with ancient traditions and Japanese culture.
- Daring new works performed by world-class musicians of BCMG.
- A unique blend of old stories told in innovative ways.

**Additional Information:**
- **Pre-concert Talk:** Gain deeper insights into the music and the cultural exchange that inspired these new works, starting at 3:30 PM.

**Booking Information:**
Secure your tickets now to be part of this mesmerizing journey into the realm of Noh Theatre. Visit the BCMG website to book your place.

**Contact:**
For more information, call 0121 616 2616 or visit the CBSO Centre's website.

Don't miss this extraordinary event that bridges the gap between ancient traditions and contemporary music, offering a truly unique cultural experience.

Ben Nobuto

Events

Past events

Oct 27, 2025

Abel Selaocoe, Cello · Elbphilharmonie

Oct 5, 2025

Abel Selaocoe, cello · Caramoor

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