Conductor Alan Bjelinski: 'In my youth, I was a classicist who strayed into the world of rock 'n' roll'

Conductor Alan Bjelinski is set to lead the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra in an upcoming concert, "GOLDEN AGE SYMPHONY - The Greatest Hits of ABBA." The performance, scheduled for September 29 at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, promises a "disco fever" with the timeless melodies of the Swedish pop group. Alongside the orchestra, four well-known Croatian vocalists, Damir Kedžo, Sven Pocrnić, Zsa Zsa, and Franka Batelić, will perform ABBA's iconic hits.

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For musicians, there is no greater experience than sharing their always ardent and sincere effort with an even larger number of ardent lovers of good music.

Bjelinski, who also conducted a similar tribute concert in 2019, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He described ABBA's music as "eternal, easily memorable melodies" that are "rhythmically danceable" and "superbly arranged." He believes the concert hall's nearly 2,000 seats might not be enough to accommodate the demand from Zagreb's ABBA fans. Bjelinski anticipates that this year's singers will also energize the audience, encouraging them to dance.

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ABBA certainly influenced all of us, including me, because they were omnipresent due to beautiful classical melodies and a classical approach to pop with violins.

Reflecting on his musical beginnings, Bjelinski noted ABBA's significant influence on him and many others. He pointed out their "classical approach to pop," incorporating strings and a "disco" genre that was "elite and cheerful." Bjelinski highlighted ABBA's unique formula of combining hopeful arrangements with a "special melancholy," which he believes contributes to their enduring appeal. He cited "The Winner Takes It All," "Dancing Queen," and "I Have a Dream" among his favorite ABBA tracks.

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The author is a classicist and introduced strings into the genre called disco! That's top-notch pop, elite and cheerful, the arrangements are hopeful, and they also have a special melancholy.

Bjelinski, who began performing at a very young age and held his first concert at nine, was drawn to music and classical compositions early on. He also discussed his transition to conducting, a path he embarked upon after his initial musical experiences.

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The winner takes it all, Dancing queen, I have a dream...