Tuesday 23 August 2022

AMATEUR MUSIC REVIEW: Illuminations Presents: The 11th Hour - The Space @ Surgeons' Hall (Grand Theatre) - Edinburgh


Illuminations is the University of Exeter's mixed a cappella dance choir; and in this 50 minute extravaganza they took us through 11 popular songs, all arranged by members of this 13-strong chorus, with beat-boxing, immaculate and visually interesting choreography, and a whole bucket-load of sass. 

Contemporary pop songs and songs from modern musicals were given the 'Illuminatiuons' make-over this afternoon, starting with 'Feeling Good' and ending with Florence And The Machine's 'Dog Days Are Over'. Each song featured one or two soloists whilst the rest of the choir sang backing vocals etc, and this made it seem like we were watching a pop concert by a girl / boy band - just minus the instruments. 

The whole show was up-beat and fun. Dressed in a colour-code of oranges, blacks and whites, they introduced themselves and asked for a little audience participation too throughout which made it a more personal event. We were even asked to vote for our favourite song of the 11 sung, which they would then encore as their finale.

With solid and interesting harmonies, and a somewhat unique take on the traditional a cappella choir, these young adults gave a high energy and enthusiatic performance which was very well received by their audience this afternoon. Highly enjoyable.

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 22.8.22 

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