Abel Selaocoe

The Australian Chamber Orchestra is celebrating fifty years in 2025 and is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world, renowned for their inspired programming, unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, they take audiences on the adventure to create truly transformative experiences. 

The international cello sensation brings a kaleidoscope of rhythm and sound to his highly anticipated Australian debut.

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.

In a classical music industry that encourages performers to be either/or, Selaocoe has chosen both — and more.

The New York Times

• Program

  Abel Selaocoe

  Qhawe, Tsepho, Lerato, Ka Bohaleng*

  Giovanni Benedetto Platt

  Cello Concerto in D major, WD650* 

  Nigel Westlake

  New work (World Premiere)**

  Igor Stravinsky

  (arr. Bernard Rofe) Three Movements from Petrushka

  Giovanni Sollima

  When We Were Trees: Selections*

  *Australian premieres
  **Commissioned by the Australian Chamber Orchestra

• Artists

  Abel Selaocoe

  Director and Cello*

  Sidiki Dembélé

  African Percussion*

  Helena Rathbone

  Lead Violin

  Timo-Veikko Valve

  Cello

  Australian Chamber Orchestra

  *Australian debut