The Australian Chamber Orchestra is celebrating fifty years in 2025 and is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world, renowned for their inspired programming, unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, they take audiences on the adventure to create truly transformative experiences. The international cello sensation brings a kaleidoscope of rhythm and sound to his highly anticipated Australian debut. When Abel Selaocoe makes music, he gathers together an unbelievable harmony of classical cello, African traditions, throat singing, percussion, and unbridled joy.He performs with equal parts grace and fire, whether he’s directing his own compositions, improvising, or inhabiting Baroque music. Feeling him perform is a joyful surrender to his irresistible beat. Bringing the rhythm is Selaocoe’s regular collaborator, percussionist Sidiki Dembélé. The curiosity and calibre of the ACO is a perfect match for Selaocoe’s charisma, as he makes his Australian debut performing his original works alongside a new commission from renowned Australian composer Nigel Westlake and excerpts from cellist and composer Giovanni Sollima’s electrifying double concerto When We Were Trees.