The Music of ABBA - Live by Orchestra is coming to Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square!

In what is promising to be the outdoor summer party of the year, all the hits of ABBA will be performed live by a full symphonic orchestra with West End singers and a fantastic fireworks finale! Grab your platforms, pack a picnic, and get ready to dance the night away on Saturday 2^nd August in Portsmouth's Guildhall Square. 

As the event draws closer, we caught up with Annie Skates who will be performing in the concert as The Music of ABBA's Agnetha. Annie has starred in a multitude of shows with just about every orchestra you can think of, sung live with many of the greats of the music world including George Michael, Madonna and Beyonce, has worked exclusively for Simon Cowell’s team as a vocal coach on the X Factor and more!

You have sung live and in studio with numerous artists – which stand out as your favourite to work with? And which have been the most challenging?!

Most artists I've worked with have been absolutely lovely to work with, both in the studio and on stage. One of my favourites is Sir Cliff Richard who is so professional. For example, when we did the TV show ‘An Audience with Cliff Richard’ and sang ’The Millennium Prayer', he brought me to the front of the stage to introduce me to the audience as the vocal arranger of the song. The most challenging? Probably when I was in New York singing and arranging the backing singers at a large charity event, which also featured Beyoncé. The orchestra conductor requested, with no notice, that I sing the lead vocal in rehearsal so they could hear how the arrangement went. 

You are known for your work as a vocal coach and in particular with Simon Cowell's contestants on the X Factor – which contestant over the years have you been most surprised didn’t make it further in the competition?

Yes, I coached Steve Brookstein, who won the original X Factor. In other tv competitions, I was surprised Gareth Gates didn’t win Pop Idol.

Which do you prefer – performing or coaching? 

These roles are completely different, and I really enjoy doing both!

Have you performed with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra before?

Yes, many times, performing 'Abba Symphonic Spectacular' and ‘Disco Symphonic Spectacular’, for example.

What is the most challenging thing about performing in an outdoor concert?

Obviously, the great British weather! Slippery stages can cause issues, although I'm sure the sun will shine on us for these events in Portsmouth in early August. 

Which is your favourite ABBA song to perform? And which is loved most by the audience?

I love singing 'Chiquitita' but I think the audiences love 'The Winner Takes It All' - I'm lucky enough to perform the lead vocal in both songs.

What are you most looking forward to about performing in the ABBA Summer Concert in Guildhall Square?

I'm really looking forward to performing again with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by my good friend Pete Harrison. Sharing this music out in the open air in Guildhall Square will be a fantastic experience!

Who do you think would enjoy attending the ABBA Summer Concert in Guildhall Square?

The concert is for everyone - even younger families love the Abba songs.

Don’t miss THE events in Portsmouth this summer! To celebrate, we're giving away four tickets to The Music of ABBA on Saturday 2 August at Portsmouth Guildhall, as part of their Symphonic Spectacular series. To enter, all you have to do is answer the question below…