"Another revelation was the performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, played by a rising star of classical music, Abel Selaocoe. Originally from South Africa’s townships, Mr. Selaocoe – through determination, ambition and his God-given talent for music – rose through various conservatories, to become not just a proficient player of the cello, but a virtuoso: a man on the threshold of what could be international acclaim. The soloist interpreted one of the most instantly recognisable English works in the repertoire with a feeling and emotion which made you almost believe that he was a native of Elgar’s Malvern Hills, Herefordshire and the land of the Severn. One of the great tests of the concerto is the devilishly-difficult second movement, an Allegro Molto – a rapid, darting, whirligig passage which requires nimble manoeuvres, quick wits, utter concentration and panache. Abel Selaocoe passed the test with flying colours, and brought the Concerto to a majestic conclusion – summarising all of Elgar’s autumnal colour and deep-seated nostalgia."