Dunedin Symphony Orchestra plays Abba
Dunedin Town Hall
Saturday, November 16
REVIEWED BY MARIAN POOLE
A packed house and a unanimous standing ovation rewarded the amped and backlit Dunedin Symphony Orchestra’s take on Abba on Saturday night.
Although Abba’s hold on the international stage during the 1970s was relatively short-lived, their songs remain well known.
Their solid rhythmic base and belting choruses create an earworm of catchiness. Even if you haven’t actively sought their music out, everyone knows them.
Despite some glitches in the performance - out-of-tune singing, nervous dance moves, the constant need to readjust ear plugs and the sheer weight of repetitions given to every chorus - this was a pretty spectacular show sufficiently replete with energy and smiles to put it on a national musical stage for such revivalist genre.
Shirtcliffe and Hayward are particularly commended for their vocal agility in the demanding backups. Singing ‘‘take a chance’’ fast for three minutes is no small feat. (Try it!)
McCormick’s strong voice, consummate delivery and audience rapport are indeed world class.
Kerr-Bell’s performance confidence is developing well.
Whibley is good with full accompaniment but as yet lacked confidence in the exposed lines of I Have a Dream.
All showed strength in breath control over the long phrasing in every number.
Rainey's arrangements showed excellent understanding of the use of orchestral colour.
The Dunedin Symphony Orchestra is commended for its stamina.
Everyone has their favourite song. Dancing Queen stands out, while Fernando comes a close second.
‘‘Must be funny in a rich man’s world’’ was right on the Money, Money, Money.
The entire audience happily swayed in their seats while others jiggled in the aisles. Everyone came away from the evening with happy smiles.
