Growing up in a South African township, classical instruments were in short supply – and the young Abel Selaocoe often had to practice his bowing technique with a broom.

His dedication led to a scholarship at the country’s prestigious St John’s College, and then to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Now the award-winning rising star, who plays with a fizzing energy, is bringing a taste of Africa to Chester with an intimate recital of solo work which will include new African-inspired pieces he has composed himself, alongside Bach’s technically demanding Cello Suite No.4 in E♭ major and Lamentatio by contemporary Italian composer Giovanni Sollima.

Selaocoe, a co-founder of world/folk/fusion quartet Kabanto and of the Manchester Collective, is committed to collaborating with others across diverse musical genres and to “celebrating and learning about cultures and finding common and beautiful contrasts between them.”