Global Sensation Abel Selaocoe To Open 60th Harrogate Music Festival In Style

Abel Selaocoe, the South African classical music sensation, who has taken the world by storm since bursting onto the music scene in 2021 with his BBC Proms debut, opens this year’s 60th anniversary Music Festival alongside the Bantu Ensemble, with a special concert at Harrogate’s Ashville College on 6 June.

The acclaimed musician has redefined the parameters of the cello, moving effortlessly between genres, drawing on classical, traditional and jazz influences to create performances that feel both deeply rooted and thrillingly new.

Selaocoe and the Ensemble earned rave reviews for their Glastonbury debut in 2025, and the cellist’s boundarybreaking artistry even led Songlines magazine to ask, “is Abel Selaocoe the most exciting musician in the world right now?”

Formed in 2022, the Bantu Ensemble create constantly changing programmes shaped by Selaocoe’s compositions and music that inspires them. With no fixed repertoire, every performance is unique, blurring boundaries between African heritage and Western classical music to create something entirely their own.

Speaking ahead of his concert in the North Yorkshire spa town, Selaocoe said: “My music is about connection – between cultures, traditions, voices and rhythms from across the world. I love bringing together storytelling, improvisation and the energy of live performance to create something that feels joyful, human and shared in the moment.

“I’m incredibly excited to come to Harrogate and open this year’s Music Festival. There’s something very special about being the first artist or Ensemble to welcome audiences into a festival experience – it sets the tone for everything that follows.

“I can’t wait to share this music, celebrate together, and begin the festival with energy, warmth and a spirit of discovery.”

Sharon Canavar, Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said: “We are delighted to welcome Abel and the Bantu Ensemble to Harrogate. They have changed people’s perceptions about what constitutes classical music, thrilling audiences around the world. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 60 th anniversary and get our exciting summer season off to a flying start.”

Abel Selaocoe & Bantu Ensemble, Ashville College, Harrogate, Saturday, 6 June, 7:30pm.

Tickets £28-£30. To book, visit the Harrogate International Festivals website or call the Box Office on 01423 562 303

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Header image: Abel Selaocoe (Jakob Tillman)