"I like to concentrate on
the poetry and the message
in the songs I'm singing."

- Nana Mouskouri -

Articles

New Zealand - 2005 > 1985 > 1974 >

1985

An 11-year absence gracing distant shores has not withered the very special beauty of the rose of Athens.

Nana Mouskouri unfolded her magical qualities in the austere surroundings of the Logan Campbell Centre in Auckland on Saturday night, transfixing the near-capacity audience with a performance of many moods and for all tastes.

Often she flirted outrageously through the musical scale, like a swooping thrush playing with a flat landing, only to soar and tease among the clouds.

The conservative, mostly middle-aged audience bent to the mystery of every awakening bud in the marvellous repertoire and then unashamedly proffered their own bouquets.

Nana Mouskouri, popular she may be, is no pop singer. Her range transcends the merely musical, with qualities that would bewitch a Negro spiritual, a blues session or the loveliest ballad.

On Saturday night Nana Mouskouri, with the polished accompaniment of her backing group, captivated her audience with 2 1/2 hours of songs in Greek, German and French as well as the main programme in English.

It was in numbers such as Solitaire and Amazing Grace that her true talents flourished. But a flashback to yesteryear with Lilli Marlene, in German, really stole the hearts.

Here's till the white rose blooms again . . .