Music is reimagined with captivating cellist Abel Selaocoe

With a voice as commanding as his bow, Abel Selaocoe redefines what live music can be.

Described by The Guardian as “one of the most captivating performers the classical music world can lay a claim on,” the South African cellist, singer, and composer performs at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m.

Challenging the limits of the cello, Selaocoe moves seamlessly across genres and styles, masterfully improvising, creating his own percussion, and using his throat and voice as instruments. This evening of solo music includes Bach selections, several of Selaocoe’s original works, and the world premiere of four Center for the Arts co-commissioned pieces.

A vibrant force bringing bold perspectives and boundless energy, Selaocoe has established himself as a leading voice in reimagining classical music. Redefining the parameters of the cello, he composes works and curates remarkable programs that highlight the links between Western and non-Western musical traditions, broadening the horizons of classical music to reach a more diverse audience.

In 2023 he was awarded the RPS (Royal Philharmonic Society) Instrumentalist Award for his performances and collaborations, which “blaze with creation, sending audiences home on a high.”

Selaocoe thrives in exploratory settings, developing new projects with contemporaries, and enjoys close collaborations with musicians from a variety of genres, including British/Japanese composer Ben Nobuto and Dutch composer Michael Van de Aa. For this performance, Selaocoe will premiere works from the contemporary classical composers — Nobuto’s “Living” and “Entanglements” by Selaocoe and Van der Aa.

A Warner Classical artist, Selaocoe is artistic partner of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, artist-in-association with the BBC Singers, and artist-in-residence with Kölner Philharmonie, performing with each several times throughout the season.

He made his debut at Verbier Festival with a solo recital during the 2024-25 season and toured internationally with the Bantu Ensemble, including the quartet’s debut performances at Carnegie Hall, La Jolla Music Society, and Trondheim Chamber Music Festival. He also tours the U.K. and Europe with Manchester Collective. 

Selaocoe performed his solo cello concerto, “Four Spirits,” throughout 2024-25, including performances with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal and a European tour with Aurora Orchestra. Last season also featured the world premieres of two works Selaocoe composed for the Signum Quartet and the Hermes Experiment. 

Selaocoe plays a copy of a circa 1735 Montagnana, which was made by Robin Aitchison in 2020 with the generous support of the Alan Powell Trust. 

This performance is supported in part by a gift from Ms. Constance Cedras.

Related events

Selaocoe will lead a craft talk on Friday, Oct. 3, from 10:10-11:00 a.m. in the Cube at the Center for the Arts. Learn about Selaocoe’s groundbreaking approach to music during this interactive discussion. The talk is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Tickets

Tickets are $20-$55 for general audience and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Center for the Arts box office, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.

Venue and parking information

The performance will be held in the center’s Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall. Convenient parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street and in downtown Blacksburg. Find more parking details online.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jamie Wiggert at least 10 days prior to the event at 540-231-5300 or email wiggertj@vt.edu during regular business hours.