UA funny fish trickles between the seats of Atlantic Ciné, Friday January 24, in Saintes. The silver scales of the costumes catch the spotlights. We embrace the glitter and disco balls! The letters “POP” flash above the stage, while four musicians attack “Waterloo”. “Pop Song sings ABBA,” announces the troupe in one voice, before delving into the Scandinavian group’s repertoire.
Their pleasure is palpable. For more than two years, amateur singers have been relentlessly dissecting ABBA's relentless melodies. They range from 29 to 69 years old, with very different profiles, but this evening, it's just one body undulating at Atlantic Ciné. “It’s not a classic choir, we’re not static, with our songbook. We sing and dance at the same time. It’s a hell of a job, but what a joy in the end,” enthuses Mathilde Longefay, 38 years old.
The singers worked on the pieces and choreographies for more than two years.
Laurent Jahier / SO
“In motion”
The choir director, Pascale Girardeaux, shines among her flock. A trained pianist and singer, she combines a career as a performer, piano lessons, school workshops and the running of Chorale Song, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in November 2025. Under the guidance of the Vocalis association, she supervises a group of 85 choristers of all levels, with a predilection for French song and variety, and “moving” performances.
Laurent Jahier / SO
Pascale Girardeaux, on the right, joined the choir.
In June 2022, she saw a choir of middle school students from La Rochelle take on ABBA songs. The Pop Song project was hatched overnight. “I realized that I knew all the songs, without having a record at home. It's great, it's bright, it sings, it moves! I immediately saw the costumes in my head, the kind you don't go to Leclerc with! » Pascale Girardeaux formed a group of 34 more seasoned singers, including nine men. They are accompanied by four professional musicians, former accomplices of the late Ronnie Carryl.
“I immediately saw the costumes in my head, the kind you don't go to Leclerc with! »
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Laurent Jahier / SO
Four professional musicians perform the pieces live.
In search of places
Everything is played live, only hits! The English accent sounds a little Frenchy but the passion knows no bounds. Pascale Girardeaux has included a few verses in French which allow us to better understand the stories of the heart so well bewitched by ABBA. A big fan, producer Alain Abril supports his label, Carrefour de talents, and wants to include it in his project aimed at investing in rural village halls.
Laurent Jahier / SO
The show filled a 330-seat hall in Saintes, and as many in Royan on Sunday.
Laurent Jahier / SO
The choristers appreciate the choreographic dimension of the production.
After a first salvo in Saintes in March 2024, the show finally launches. The Saintes date has been fully booked since mid-December. There is no longer a place for the concert in Royan, this Sunday January 26, with the Soroptimist. At the Salle des Mathes, on March 8, it is already three-quarters full. “We couldn’t wait! », exclaims Corine Augé, president of Vocalis. “Now we are looking for places to welcome us. We would like to run the show for two or three years. We have put together a production aid file with the Department so that municipalities can purchase it more easily. »
