Retro to Remix: Review

4th February 2026 - Nyah Bhawsar

The four Durham Student Music A Cappella groups - Full Score, Foot Notes, Durham Dynamics and Northern Lights - have started the new year with a truly unforgettable performance at the Gala theatre, with a particular production that transcended music genres. As part of the Durham Vocal Festival, Retro to Remix showcased songs from all eras and all styles. From choral and 80s rock to jazz and contemporary pop, this concert was guaranteed to captivate listeners of all ages.

The night opened immediately with a rendition of Electric Light Orchestra’s Mr. Blue Sky by Full Score, Durham’s barbershop choir. Their passion and enthusiasm were evident from the beginning, setting a joyful atmosphere for the rest of the concert that I couldn’t shake off. Ella Fitzgerald’s Rough Ridin’ followed, featuring melodious scatting, before the audience was treated to Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat from Guys and Dolls, which continues to echo in my mind! The four distinct voice types overlapped and wove into one another soothingly, creating a truly spectacular start to the evening.

Next to take the stage were Foot Notes, the close-harmony mixed-voice a cappella choir. Bathed in soft pink lights, the upper voices began with a powerful and satisfying cover of Michael Bublé’s Feeling Good. What stood out to me personally were the final few bars, where the sopranos sustained a high note that was gradually joined by increasingly lower voices, forming a drawn-out arpeggiated chord that sounded incredible. Continuing with the retro theme, they delivered a charming interpretation of How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by Marvin Gaye, followed by their wonderful barbershop arrangement of Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Foot Notes concluded their set with the light-hearted number By the Way, I Love You, arranged by Ben Parry.

Durham Dynamics, a mixed six-part harmony group specialising in pop songs under the leadership of Grace Graham and Musical Director Tom Kerley, followed third. They opened with the contemporary hit WHERE IS MY HUSBAND! by Raye, featuring a solo by Angelina Marson that demonstrated incredible vocal control and impeccable diction throughout. The audience deservedly showed their appreciation afterwards with a thunderous applause. With a seamless transition came the next song, All by Myself by Eric Carmen. This was a very visually engaging number which made full use of the large stage of the Gala theatre through effective choreography. The vibrations from the extended high notes could be felt through the floor and seats alike. They ended their set with a sonically unique and energetic cover of Don't Stop the Music, by Rihanna.

To finish the evening, the five-time UK A Cappella Champions Northern Lights, musically directed by Mariam Siali, delivered a tasteful remix of songs spanning the mid-1900s to the 2020s. This remix truly took me by surprise due to the sheer quantity of songs seemingly laced together. Continuing from this was a melange of different solo songs, notably Aman Krishna’s faithful cover of Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi, Hannah James’ moving interpretation of Adele’s Skyfall, and Dan Laheney’s striking beatbox solo, to name a few. Each solo left the audience with a sense of awe, a feeling that remained long after their final note had faded. Their meticulously crafted choreography further enhance the performance, displaying an impeccable sense of synchronicity and infectious energy. Northern Lights followed by performing their recently released ICCA set. With songs such as “Night Fever” and “Golden Slumbers,” this was an absolute delight to listen to and watch!

Overall, Retro to Remix was an incredible success. Every performer displayed such immense talent and everyone involved should be extremely proud of their efforts.

Nyah Bhawsar

Please note that this review is operating a pilot for student writing opportunities within Durham Student Music. Agreement was reached with all parties.

Any feedback on the pilot can be sent to:

student.music@durham.ac.uk

Thank you in advance for your interest in this pilot.