If you were to go into a William Jack performance expecting a traditional cello recital, you’d be in for a surprise. William’s approach to the cello is far from traditional, drawing on his training as a jazz guitarist as much as from his classical cello education. His playing is masterful, and his experimental approach to making unique sounds with the instrument results in a mesmerising performance.

William’s unconventional approach to the cello included using a guitar slide ring, a pick, using both the bow and fingers on the fingerboard to create percussive sounds, and even using a wooden peg as a capo, which created a semi-muted tone layered with harmonics. At one point William even held the cello like an oversized guitar. The end result is a fascinating study in the way a single instrument can sound like an entire ensemble. In some pieces, William also sang a harmony line, adding yet another layer to these complex and fascinating works.

The set list was eclectic, featuring clever arrangements of Beatles tunes, Wonderwall, Make You Feel My Love and others, as well as original tunes. One of the most memorable of these was a piece titled Morialta, which featured sounds from nature and an impressive imitation of a didgeridoo. The only moment of traditionalism in this performance was what is arguably the most famous cello piece of all time, the Prelude to J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite No.1, because is it even a cello concert without that piece? William showed his classical sensibilities and his sheer versatility, jumping from classical to bluegrass to pop to original tunes with Eastern influences.

There’s only one more weekend of This Old Cello Box, but I urge all music lovers to make the effort to get to Hahndorf to see this one-of-a-kind performance.