"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

Nana Mouskouri in concert at Hamilton's Founders Theatre May 2, 1985

Other reviewers have commented on her exceptional voice but 'antiseptic' stage manner. I've seen her once before and felt the same way. But last night it was different. Almost right from the start she was alive on stage, taking the microphone from its stand, moving around energetically, and seldom standing still. She was great. The audience thought so too. Fans packed the Theatre and few seats were left empty. And Mouskouri gave them value with close to 2 1/2 hours of solid singing. It was varied too with cheerful Greek music. a variety of English songs, an operative aria in Italian some songs in German and in French. She charmed the audience by singing her own signature tune White Rose of Athens - and then forgetting the words in English. She smiled, looked a little embarrassed, admitted the problem and asked if we minded the next verse in German. She explained it was a long time since she's sung the hit in English and had only recently been singing it in German. Then she persuaded the audience to sing the chorus, a section at a time, women alone and then the men. Hamilton is notorious for reticent audiences but Mouskouri had them singing - not strongly but definitely tunefully and sweetly. It was her first concert of a New Zealand tour and by the time she had warmed up, she seemed ready for a party. At one stage she confessed she didn't want to go yet - unless the audience wanted to go home. Naturally they didn't so Mouskouri stayed and sang. Her voice was as strong and flexible as ever. She carried off exceptionally everything from opera to rock and fairly sparkled during the Greek numbers. When it was finally time to go, the audience was left with memories of a magical evening from a wonderful singer.