Live Appearances
"Counting The Days" Concert
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
3 October, 2003
From Paris to perfection for a home crowd
Original content copyright 2003 to The Press
WELL-TRAVELLED: Bic Runga at
Christchurch Town Hall.
DON SCOTT/The Press
Original article is at: The Press
Date: 4 October 2003
By: Seth Robson
Singer-songwriter Bic Runga and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra wooed a packed Christchurch Town Hall last night, putting a new twist on some of her best-known songs.
The Christchurch singer, now based in Paris, returned home this week to perform with the orchestra which last month appeared with Fur Patrol singer Julia Deans.
Their styles could not have been more different – Bic Runga has a quiet, thoughtful stage presence, while Deans loves to dance.
"This is my first time playing with an orchestra. That is normally something you work your way up to over years and years," Bic told the crowd.
Bic, 26, has played to packed audiences throughout New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, and is famous for such songs as Get Some Sleep, Beautiful Collision, Sway, and Drive.
Last night, wearing a floor-length grey sleeveless dress, she captivated an enthusiastic audience who applauded loudly after every song. The orchestra, conducted by Marc Taddei, added a new dimension to the performance.
Bic acknowledged her local links, telling the crowd that some of her old teachers from Cashmere High School were among them.
Bic and her two singing sisters – Boh, from the band Stellar*, who lives in Los Angeles, and Auckland-based Pearl – grew up in Christchurch. Their parents still live locally.
Last night's performance included a selection of originals, classics, and new material. The performance featured songs from Bic's 1998 debut album, Drive, and this year's follow-up, Beautiful Collision. Bic is working on her third album.
She was named best female vocalist and best solo artist at this year's New Zealand Music Awards at Auckland's Aotea Centre
Original content copyright 2003 to The Press
For a review of the concert by DoctaSoma, check here.
For a review by Patrick Shepherd of The Press, check here