Sonderkonzert

Abel Selaocoe & Bantu Ensemble

  • Sun 22.03.26
22.03.26 28.03.26

Selaocoe Package 1, Selaocoe Package 2 (Casual)

Programme


Abel Selaocoe & Bantu Ensemble

Artists

  • Abel Selaocoe Violoncello and Vocals
  • Alan Keary Electric Bass
  • Fred Thomas Piano
  • Dudù Kouaté African Percussion

Bantu Ensemble

Abel Selaocoe & Bantu Ensemble

Abel Selaocoe formed the Bantu Ensemble in 2022, and together they celebrate an innovative approach to reimagining classical music, moving seamlessly across a multitude of genres and styles. Their programmes, which are based around Abel's original compositions alongside works by composers who inspire him, incorporate classical, traditional and jazz. Wowing audiences worldwide, and equally at home on classical and larger stages, they have sold out KOKO, London, recorded on ›Later ... with Jools Holland‹, performed at e.g. Vienna Konzerthaus, Berlin Konzerthaus and Luxembourg Philharmonie and made their Carnegie Hall debut in October 2024.

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Artist in Focus: Abel Selaocoe im Rahmen von ›Afrodiaspora – Composing While Black‹

A focus. A celebration. A festival: The DSO celebrates the cellist and singer Abel Selaocoe, an exceptional artist who crosses boundaries and touches hearts. With his unique, genre-crossing musicality, he brings a concentrated charge of energy and creativity on three stages in Berlin as a DSO »Artist in Focus«. Experience him in presenting the wordl premiere of a brand-new Cello Concerto by celebrated composer Jessie Montgomery at DSO’s Casual Concert. A musical dynamo!

›Afrodiaspora – Composing While Black‹ ist supported by the federal programme ›Exzellente Orchesterlandschaft Deutschland‹
 

Kindly supported by

  • Der Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien

Artists

Biography
Bantu Ensemble
© Matthew Johnson

Bantu Ensemble

Orchestra

Biography

The Bantu Ensemble was founded in 2022 by cellist Abel Selaocoe. Other members include musicians Alan Keary (bass), Fred Thomas (piano), and Dudù Kouaté (percussion). With their innovative approach to reinterpreting classical music, the Bantu Ensemble moves seamlessly between a variety of genres and styles, integrating elements from classical, jazz, and other musical traditions into their works based on their own or well-known compositions.

The ensemble can be heard on Selaocoe's debut album ›Hae Ke Kae‹ (Where is Home) and on ›Hymns of Bantu‹, released in 2024/25. The group has performed at venues including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Southbank Centre in London, the Berlin and Cologne Philharmonic Halls, and the Vienna Konzerthaus.

In 2025, the Bantu Ensemble made its debut at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK, and another highlight of the season was its first US tour with performances at Carnegie Hall and the La Jolla Music Society in San Diego.

In the 2025/26 season, the Bantu Ensemble will give its first concert with the DSO.

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