Making his Australian debut, South African cellist Abel Selaocoe directs the world premiere of Nigel Westlake’s Ascension, commissioned by the ACO, and the Australian premiere of Giovanni Sollima’s When We Were Trees, for which he is joined by Timo-Veikko Valve. The program also includes Platti’s Cello Concerto in D major, Bernard Rofe’s arrangement of Stravinsky’s Three Movements from Petrushka and original works by Selaocoe, who is accompanied by his regular collaborator, percussionist Sidiki Dembélé.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

When Abel Selaocoe makes music, he gathers together an unbelievable harmony of classical cello, African traditions, throat singing, percussion, and unbridled joy. He performs with equal parts grace and fire, whether he’s directing his own compositions, improvising, or inhabiting Baroque music. Feeling him perform is a joyful surrender to his irresistible beat. Bringing the rhythm is Selaocoe’s regular collaborator, percussionist Sidiki Dembélé.

The curiosity and calibre of the ACO is a perfect match for Selaocoe’s charisma, as he makes his Australian debut performing his original works alongside a new commission from renowned Australian composer Nigel Westlake and excerpts from cellist and composer Giovanni Sollima’s electrifying double concerto When We Were Trees.

Selaocoe’s rare affinity for the cello is the thread that draws together the musical worlds he inhabits, as he explores and celebrates the sounds of the South African culture that made him. He’s now in demand all over the world, making his mark on classical music by bringing his infectious exuberance and drive for innovation to orchestras and ensembles everywhere.