About this concert
Located in the Westergas Cultural Park in Amsterdam, the monumental Gashouder has inspired us for years to create special artistic productions. Now we’re collaborating with one of the most fascinating performers of our time, Abel Selaocoe. The South African cellist, vocalist and narrator takes you on a journey to his cultural roots. In his cello concerto Four Spirits he combines virtuoso cello playing with improvisation, singing, narration and body percussion.
Then conductor Gemma New will lead us in Le sacre du printemps, a timeless classic in which Igor Stravinsky connected ancient rituals, folk music and ultra-modern sounds. This thrilling work is brimming with rhythmic surprises and sounds fresh and urgent with each new performance. The 1913 premiere in Paris led to a riot, but the work soon garnered acclaim all over the world.
Gashouder
The Gashouder was built in 1903 as part of the Westergasfabriek, which lit the city with coal gas until 1967. We have given spectacular concerts in this round, cathedral-like space since 2005. In early 2025, the Gashouder closed its doors for an extensive renovation. After the reopening at the beginning of 2027, it will be more suitable as a concert hall featuring better facilities for productions, musicians and visitors. We plan to perform there more often than ever.
Abel Selaocoe combines virtuoso cello playing with improvisation, singing, narration and body percussion.
