Tribes!

Abel Selaocoe’s versatility is undeniable, as he navigates effortlessly between orchestral performances, chamber music, jazz, folk and world music. With his group Chesaba, he captivated audiences at the 2018 Cello Biennale. Together with composer Michel van der Aa, he is working on a new piece in which the sounds of the Central African Baka tribe merge with the melodic richness of Ethiopian music.

The Baka tribe’s vocal, polyphonic music is characterized by its repetitive nature, allowing for considerable rhythmic improvisation. This stands in stark contrast to the complexity of Ethiopian music, which is deeply rooted in unique scales and infused with Eastern and Mediterranean influences. The cello’s sonic palette is expanded through the use of electronics. The result is a composition that weaves together music, stories and theatrical elements.