When the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra plays classic hits, it usually means turning to centuries past. Next week, however, the orchestra and singers Annie Crummer, Laughton Kora and Esther Stephens take a trip to a more recent past, when boob tubes, hot pants and mirror balls ruled supreme.
It'll be a night of disco gold, playing hits by the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, KC and the Sunshine Band, The Jacksons and Earth, Wind & Fire. We asked some of those involved in the production what songs would get them up on the dance floor?
ESTHER STEPHENS, PERFORMER
What's your favourite disco track?
I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross is definitely a fave; it's impossible not to feel brave, empowered and liberated when that song comes on.
Where were you — and how old were you — when you first heard disco music?
Not my earliest memory but certainly most distinct: in 7th form, my high school chose Dancing Through The Ages as our Stage Challenge theme. Despite none of us being super-experienced dancers, some friends and I choreographed a disco number to Shake Your Groove Thing by Peaches & Herb. We tried to make sure our moves were as on-point as possible, and my dear parents even sewed some of the costumes. (Bright-coloured shiny shirts for the boys and soooo many sequins for the girls.)
Why do you think disco doesn't die?
It's fun, upbeat, and knows how to laugh at itself.
DAVID KAY, CONDUCTOR
What's your favourite disco track?
Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees; it's such an iconic sound and look of the disco era. The Bee Gees encapsulate all that makes up the feeling, pulse, beat, style and enthusiasm that is disco. You can't help but move along to that groovy bass line and thumping dance beat.
Where were you — and how old were you — when you first heard disco music?
Disco music came through films like Saturday Night Fever, Grease and Dirty Dancing. Thinking about it now, it may be my inability to dance that made me watch them in hope that one day I might be able to move like Patrick Swayze or John Travolta.
Why do you think disco doesn't die?
It's such infectious music that continues to pull people onto the dance floor. As long as weddings, parties and gatherings continue, disco music will be there to get the party started.
