Osmo on Abba

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

Minneapolis — In his 2 1/2 seasons leading the Minnesota orchestra, Osmo Vanska's musical interpretations have drawn raves from around the world. His Sibelius has been called stunning, and his Beethoven brilliant. Now he's doing something a little different. Osmo Vanska and the Minnesota Orchestra are taking a chance on Abba.

The music of the 1970s Swedish supergroup is back and on stage at Orchestra Hall. Actually Vanska is no stranger to ABBA. He had a big success with Pops concerts featuring Abba songs with the Lahti orchestra in his native Finland.

Vanska told Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Crann that ABBA's memorable melodies are not all that appeals to him.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 03/24/2006, 4:48 p.m.