Four Spirits

The works of Abel Selaocoe blend the sounds and traditions of diverse cultures. The South African cellist, composer and singer has already impressed critics with his albums WHERE IS HOME (Hae ke Kae) and HYMNS OF BANTU. Now Abel Selaocoe releases his first cello concerto: FOUR SPIRITS. Like on his previous albums, he draws from the rich musical language of his South African homeland, incorporating ancestral melodies, songs in Sotho and Zulu, and improvisation. Selaocoe enriches his distinctive personal narrative with rhythmic playing techniques on his cello and through his collaboration with percussionist Bernhard Schimpelsberger. The Austrian, specializing in world rhythms, accompanies Abel Selaocoe with the Aurora Orchestra under the direction of Nicholas Collon. FOUR SPIRITS draws its inspiration from life in a South African township. Each of the five parts is dedicated to a specific aspect: MaSebego (Traditional Healer) honors healers who bridge the gap between ancestral traditions and the modern world. Bana (Children) is dedicated to the humor and directness of children, while Tshepo (Faith) evokes the universal power of prayer, beyond all religions. And with Simunye (We Are One), Selaocoe celebrates the community itself and invites the audience to sing along. The recording is a live performance at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Four Spirits was first performed in 2023 with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in Glasgow, commissioned by BBC Radio 3 and the Seattle Symphony.