Percussionist

Abel Selaocoe finds his home in the cello – and at the same time a means of expressing the many different kinds of "home." For the South African musician, people, melodies, vocal techniques, spiritual rituals, and the all-encompassing love are also important places of refuge, as he explores them musically in his album "Hae ke Kae" (Sesotho for "Where is home?"). What is special about Selaocoe is that he combines cello playing with (throat) singing, percussion, and improvisation, building bridges between Western and South African musical traditions. The Italian composer Giovanni Sollima also knows how to blend different styles. In addition to his six-movement cycle "When We Were Trees," Caroline Shaw's contemporary response to Haydn's last string quartet and David Fennessy's weightless sonic impression of the deserted island of Hirta complement the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra's musical search for home.

Abel Selaocoe

Forum at the Castle Park

South African cellist Abel Selaocoe redefines the parameters of the cello and combines virtuoso skills with improvisation, singing and body percussion. He has found an ideal ally in Ensemble Resonanz, which also enthusiastically explores innovative and new paths in its concerts, sometimes as the Ensemble in Residence of the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg and sometimes in the chamber music club it founded itself in the Hamburg district of St Pauli.

EPSG:4326

Ensemble Resonanz / Abel Selaocoe / Saerom Park

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

Sirocco is a thrilling collaboration between Manchester Collective and Guest Director, Abel Selaocoe. A maverick on the cello and a long-time friend of the Collective, he’s a star performer as an instrumentalist, singer, and composer.

Manchester Collective: Sirocco

The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds

Sirocco is a great storm of music from across the world, played with heart and virtuosity. Earning standing ovations from New York to Frankfurt, its infectious spirit will have you up on your feet and singing along.

Expect the unexpected as original South African folk rubs shoulders with music from the Western canon. Classical strings dance to the beat of African drums and electric bass guitar. Outrageous solos await. Sirocco is a love letter to music and camaraderie, crafted by Manchester Collective with singular cellist and storyteller Abel Selaocoe over the years. Each performance is different from the last.

Percussionist

Sidiki Dembele

Events

Past events

Jul 16, 2025

Abel Selaocoe · Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele

11 - 12 Jun, 2025

Ensemble Resonanz / Abel Selaocoe / Saerom Park · Elbphilharmonie

About

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