Sheku Kanneh-Mason Releases Solo Composition

Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason has released his solo cello composition entitled Melody, on Decca Classics.

Just 21, Sheku’s recent album Elgar has been No. 1 in the ARIA Core Classical Chart for five consecutive weeks. Sheku is happy to mark these milsestones with his own work, simple and beautiful with its folksong-like lilt. Previously performed as a surprise encore in concert, he had no intention of officially releasing it until now.

Speaking from his family home in Nottingham, where he is currently in situ with his six siblings, parents and fellow Royal Academy of Music flatmate, Sheku says: “I wrote this tune a while back, inspired by folk music I love listening to. I never intended to release it but felt now would be a good time to share it. I hope it might encourage people to try something new and express their creativity during this difficult time.”

The Kanneh-Mason family had planned to travel to Antigua last month to support the Antigua & Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra and visit relatives. Instead, the seven siblings found themselves together, home in Nottingham for the first time in five years.

The family have been sharing two Facebook Live videos each week (Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30pm BST), featuring family activities and what used to be known as ‘salon’ concerts – short chamber performances in the home, originally popularised in the 19th century by the likes of Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt.

Filmed informally, viewers are treated to a mix of masterclasses, solo and chamber performances, ‘Q&A’ sessions, and intimate snapshots of Britain’s most musical household as they step away from the international stage and into the homes of people around the world.