By Miss Goodsell, Director of Music

A group of music scholars and GCSE students had the privilege of attending an electrifying performance by South African cellist Abel Selaocoe. Known for redefining the boundaries of classical music, Selaocoe delivered a show that seamlessly blended musical traditions and showcased extraordinary versatility.

From the moment he took the stage, Selaocoe engaged the audience with his dynamic style. Students were particularly impressed by his overtone throat singing, and the mix of instruments. They also hugely enjoyed being part of the performance, singing and clapping rhythms: ‘It was so interactive, I loved the audience participation’.

The concert was a whirlwind of musical diversity, with a classical string quartet integrating works by Purcell and Britten with folksongs from South and West Africa and music technology effects. There was djembe and  calabash playing together with an electric bass and all members of the group singing, creating a really dynamic fusion.

The students left the concert buzzing with excitement and a new appreciation for how classical music can connect with a wide range of cultures and styles:

‘It was a really memorable performance,’ one student concluded. While others remarked, ‘He had such an interactive way of performing’, ‘We really tried to identify the rhythms, we think one was in 10/8. It was a real discovery of new types of music and a diverse range of styles’ and ‘I loved the viola solo’.