Due to popular demand Wellington singing sensations the Doubtful Sounds are teaming up again with the Strung Out string quartet to perform their unique takes on much-loved pop hits by artists ranging from Prince and Donna Summer to Th’ Dudes and Dragon.
Choir leader and music maestro Bryan Crump has re-arranged a few of the choir’s acapella numbers for strings, and added a few new songs to the group’s repertoire. ‘Those include a number by Adele and a track by Coldplay. We might even manage something by The Eagles.’
‘The bringing together of voices and strings is exciting for us as performers and brings new life and colour to these well-known songs. Audiences at recent gigs were blown away by the result, and we enjoyed ourselves so much that we’re back for more musical fun’ says Maestro Bryan Crump of the Doubtful Sounds.
Bryan is the host of Radio New Zealand National’s “Nights With Bryan Crump” radio show, and the Doubtful Sounds has grown from a shared passion for singing amongst friends and workmates to where it is an established feature of Wellington’s choral scene.
Followers of the Wellington music scene may remember Strung Out’s marvellous performances of pop tunes with Jackie Clarke back in the 1990s. Paekākāariki-based Strung Out, led by cellist Janet Holborow, arrange and perform jazz and Latin-inspired music, and have made numerous appearances for television, films, theatre and dance.
After an initial outing together last year, the Doubtful Sounds and Strung Out came together again a few weeks ago for two popular and well-received concerts in the Paekākāariki Memorial Hall and Futuna Chapel in Karori. ‘Strung Out have always been keen on playing an unexpected variety of music on strings, and it’s great to team up with a choir with a similar passion,” says Janet. “Bryan’s arrangements are quirky and satisfying, and shine a new light on some familiar favourites. We love the vibe of local concerts held in community halls, and if the mood is right on the day Bryan sometimes brings out his special “Maestro dance” – and that’s not to be missed!’
The Doubtful Sounds and Strung Out have two concerts coming up in early November, and everybody is welcome. Details below.
Sunday 4 November 2.00 pm
Plimmerton Hall
9 Sunset Parade
Plimmerton
(Door sales only $15 waged & koha unwaged)
Saturday 10 November 1.30 pm
Aro Valley Community Hall
48 Aro Street
Aro Valley
(door sales only – shorter one-hour concert $10 waged & koha unwaged)
