ABBA and Adele – as you’ve never heard them before

Martin Banks

Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), They span different eras but are undoubtedly two of the biggest names in the history of popular music.

Adele and ABBA – they are so big they are instantly recognizable just by a single word.

Both come, of course, from quite different eras: one from the glam rock period of the 1970s, the other many decades later.

But both have captured the hearts of the public and have also performed in some of the world’s biggest stadiums. 

But audiences in Belgium will soon get the chance to listen to their ageless music as it’s never been performed before – and all this in one of the most impressive venues in Brussels.

Two separate performances will not feature either of the pop icons in person but, instead, via a “candlelight concert” set to a classical backdrop.

In what has been dubbed a “magical musical experience”, the candlelight concert by a string quartet takes place at the historic Concert Noble in Brussels city center on 12 April (Adele) and 13  April (ABBA).

Visitors will get the chance to listen to some of the best-known songs of two of the biggest brands in music industry history…. but in a new light.

The Concert Noble stage at the venue is illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere. A string quartet will then perform specially curated selections of Adele and ABBA’s most beloved hits.

An event organizer said, “The event promises to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers.”

 “The dim lighting and sea of candles will create a warm and relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for a special date or a night out with friends.”

Those behind the concept of candlelight concerts said this was the latest in a series of programs. When the concept initially launched, concerts focused on the greatest such as Vivaldi, Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, and Schubert. Now, the programs include more modern artists such as Taylor Swift, Queen, Coldplay, Ludovico Einaudi, Aretha Franklin, the Beatles, and Ed Sheeran.

The “candlelight concerts are known as Fever originals, 100% created and produced by the company. 

The concept, says the spokesman, aims to bring classical music to an entirely new demographic, with about 70% of attendees under the age of 40.

“Across our various channels, we reach over millions of people each week.” 

The concerts have become well known for bringing classical music out of traditional concert halls and into unique venues, such as Concert Noble, that form part of each city’s cultural heritage. The selected venues “stand out in their historic nature or singular character, spanning from modern rooftops with great views to iconic cathedrals and palaces.”

The Adele concert starts at 7 pm and ABBA at 9 pm the day after.

The two concerts last about an hour and the doors open 30 minutes before the start. Latecomers will not be admitted.

About Us

Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Martin Banks is an experienced British-born journalist who has been covering the EU beat (and much else besides) in Brussels since 2001. Previously, he had worked for many years in regional journalism in the UK and freelanced for national titles. He has a keen interest in foreign affairs and has closely followed the workings of the European Parliament and MEPs in particular for some years.