SIROCCO: Abel Selaocoe with Chesaba and Manchester Collective

Sirocco is pure joy and energy – a great storm of music that celebrates the warmth and diversity of cultural traditions from across the globe. Guest directed and narrated by South African cellist Abel Selaocoe, this is music for the people, by the people. This “once in a lifetime experience” covers everything from outrageous arrangements for solo cello to beloved classics by Stravinsky and Haydn; and from a set of original African music to a collection of gorgeous Danish folk songs. Described as the performer who can “draw the audience into the palm of his hand” (The Arts Desk, 2022), Abel is redefining the parameters of the cello, moving seamlessly across a plethora of genres and styles, from collaborations with world musicians and beatboxers, to concerto performances and solo classical recitals. Abel is joined by Sidiki Dembele and Alan Keary from Chesaba – a trio specialising in the performance of music from the African continent – and the string quartet of Manchester Collective. Known for their experimental programming and daring collaborations, Manchester Collective is a new kind of arts organisation, built for a fresh and diverse musical world, performing a combination of cutting-edge contemporary music, classical masterpieces and staged work in venues ranging from concert halls to warehouses, and nightclubs to festivals.

In collaboration with SJE Arts Next Generation Series