Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1992

 

Abel Selaocoe is a South African cellist and composer who has gained international recognition for his unique approach to classical music. Born in 1994 in Soweto, Johannesburg, Selaocoe grew up in a musical family and began playing the cello at the age of 12. He was inspired by the music of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, but also by the traditional music of his homeland, including Zulu and Xhosa songs. Selaocoe studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, where he was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal in 2019, the highest honor given to a graduating student. During his time at the college, he also won the RNCM Concerto Competition and the RNCM International Cello Festival Competition. Selaocoe has performed as a soloist with orchestras around the world, including the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Philharmonic, and the Manchester Camerata. He has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, from jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim to the British folk band The Unthanks. One of Selaocoe's most notable performances was at the 2018 BBC Proms, where he played a solo cello arrangement of the traditional Zulu song "Thula Baba" as part of a tribute to Nelson Mandela. The performance was widely praised for its emotional power and cultural significance. Selaocoe is also a composer, and his works often blend classical and traditional African music. His piece "Africadeus" was commissioned by the Manchester Camerata and premiered in 2019, featuring a fusion of Western classical music and African rhythms. In addition to his performing and composing work, Selaocoe is also a passionate advocate for music education and outreach. He has worked with organizations such as the South African National Youth Orchestra and the Manchester Camerata's Music in Mind program, which brings music to people with dementia. Selaocoe's unique approach to classical music has earned him numerous accolades and awards, including the 2020 Classical:NEXT Innovation Award and the 2021 Royal Philharmonic Society Young Artist Award. He continues to push the boundaries of classical music and inspire audiences around the world with his performances and compositions.

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