Battle of the Pop Titans: Candlelight Event Brings ABBA vs. Queen to Iriving

Hang around nearly any restaurant, bar, or store long enough, and you’re bound to hear ABBA and Queen classics lingering from nearby speakers. These two iconic bands have left an indelible presence on both queer culture and general art alike.

Though you might hear “Dancing Queen” and “Fat Bottomed Girls” on the same Spotify playlist, the two groups aren't exactly synonymous. However, on July 6 at the Irving Arts Center, their catalogs will conjoin for a night of musical magic. On this fateful night, the bands will be “pitted against each other” at the Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA event.

Part of a larger series of Candlelight programs held at the Irving Arts Center, the Listeso String Quartet will begin performing beloved Queen and ABBA tracks under the unique spell of actual candlelight. Meant to accentuate an intimate atmosphere for this live performance, the event (per a schedule that is listed as "tentative") will begin with a quartet of ABBA ditties like "Dancing Queen" and "SOS."

Of course, Queen's behemoth "Bohemian Rhapsody" will open the segment inspired by the British rock band before weaving back through ABBA cuts.

Some Candlelight events showcase more expected artists, such as Mozart or Hans Zimmer. Though one might not necessarily associate tunes like “Waterloo” and “Killer Queen” with either soft candlelight or fancy orchestral interpretations, such an unexpected clash between different corners of the art world is ingrained into the DNA of these Candlelight events.

Queen and ABBA are known for infectious, lyrical wordplay and distinctive vocals, so a string reworking allows the music to take new form. Bringing “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “Dancing Queen” to the world of classical concerts will require a compelling, radical translation.

Plus, pairing Queen and ABBA, though an unexpected duo, does live up to each band's collaboratively magnetic ethos. Combine that with the high energy of their most famous works, and uniting ABBA and Queen for a quaint, classical concert doesn't sound so disparate.

If you’re looking to end the holiday weekend with a musical bang, bring “Somebody to Love” for this uniquely lit musical event.

For information on tickets to see Candlelight: Queen vs ABBA, click here.