Music

Abel Selaocoe Announces Debut Concerto ‘Four Spirits’ Out August 15 With Aurora Orchestra

Jul 11, 2025

South African cellist, composer, and vocalist Abel Selaocoe will release his first concerto, Four Spirits, on Warner Classics on August 15 2025. The recording captures a landmark live performance at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall with the Aurora Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Collon, orchestrated by Benjamin Woodgates, and featuring percussionist Bernhard Schimpelsberger. Selaocoe will bring Four Spirits to life once again in a live performance at the Edinburgh International Festival on 18 August 2025, marking another major milestone in his growing international career.

Celebrated for his genre-defying artistry, Selaocoe has captivated audiences around the world with a unique blend of virtuosic cello playing, powerful vocals, and compelling storytelling. His critically acclaimed album Hymns of Bantu topped the UK’s Official Classical Chart earlier this year and was praised by The Guardian as “a joyous and indivisible blend of styles” and by BBC Music Magazine as “an utter delight of an album.”

Commissioned by BBC Radio 3, Seattle Symphony and Philharmonie Zuidnederland and first performed by Selaocoe and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra conducted by Taavi Oramo on March 23 2023 at City Halls, Glasgow, Four Spirits reframes the concerto format through a rich tapestry of musical influences rooted in Selaocoe’s South African heritage. Singing in Sotho and Zulu, he interweaves ancestral melodies, improvisation, and rhythmic cello techniques in a deeply personal narrative.

Each movement of Four Spirits draws inspiration from aspects of township life. The first movement, MaSebego (“Traditional Healer”), celebrates how traditional healers today can bridge the gap between our ancestors and the modern world. The second movement, Bana (“Children”), reflects on the wisdom and humour of children, whilst Tshepo (“Faith”), explores the universal power of prayer beyond religion. Simunye (“We Are One) closes the work with a celebration of community and gathering, with Selaocoe inviting the audience to join him in a communal singing chant.

Each movement of Four Spirits draws inspiration from the rhythms and rituals of township life. The first movement, MaSebego (“Traditional Healer”), honours the role of traditional healers as a vital bridge between ancestral wisdom and the modern world. The second, Bana (“Children”), captures the humour and deep wisdom found in childhood. Tshepo (“Faith”) reflects on the universal power of prayer beyond religion. Finally, Simunye(“We Are One”) brings the work to a close, celebrating unity and communal spirit as Selaocoe invites the audience to join in a shared chant of song.

Four Spirits is released on CD, vinyl and digitally on August 15^th 2025 on Warner Classics. CD and digital release includes a bonus live version of Tsohle Tsohle, originally featured on Hymns of Bantu.

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