Acclaimed reworkers of classical music, Manchester Collective & Abel Selaocoe come more like a rock performance with classical instruments, blending South African folk with Western classical.
Attempting to reshape the face of classical music, Sirocco is a whirlwind of diverse musical influences. Combining original South African folk music with Western Classical, their performances are much more lively and action-packed than your usual classical night. Heavy amplification, stage haze, and downlighting make it feel like a rock performance with classical elements.
To add on to the showmanship, vocalist and cellist Abel Selaocoe holds the centre with his exhilarating solos and his wide vocal versatility, alternating between clean-cut soul vocals and almost Tuvan-like throat singing. And while he takes the central focus, the other musicians on display do more than enough to earn their keep.
Their approach to classical is cutting edge: they use the classical pieces as a source inspiration, but their experimentation takes them way beyond the boundaries that the compositions set for them. At times it sounds like a pop band with classical instruments, differing wildly from the source material but allowing much space for interpretation and experimentation. Rakhi Singh, first violinist and Artistic Director of Manchester Collective, spearheaded more traditionally virtuosic classical moments, while percussionist Sidiki Dembele does all they can to showcase their virtuosity, with an array of hand drums and shakers, striking lightning fast polyrhythms in dizzying fashion.
For those who are often left adrift by the percieved staleness and stuffiness of classical music, this is your ticket into a world you may love to explore. Seriously good musicians with a love for classical, reworking it to their delight.