West Michigan Symphony’s Season Opens with The Music of ABBA, Costume Contest and First-Time Attendees Discounted Ticket Program

Muskegon, MI — The world’s top ABBA tribute band, Direct from Sweden joins the West Michigan Symphony (WMS) to perform full orchestrations of iconic hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo,” “S.O.S.,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and many more. Relive the ABBA experience with dazzling costumes, electrifying disco dance moves, and all the catchy tunes that made the Swedish supergroup a global sensation. Conducted by Scott Speck, the program takes place at 7:30pm Friday, October 3 at the Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon, MI. This performance is made possible by The Leonard Luxury Apartments and the 2025-2026 Season Sponsors, Mike and Kay Olthoff. Tickets start a $29, click HERE or call 231.727.8001 for more information.
 
Direct from Sweden – a group comprised of some of Sweden’s most experienced and talented singers and musicians – are no strangers to the sound and look of Sweden’s greatest music export. With meticulous attention to costumes, make-up, musical arrangements, movements, and the singing, nothing is left to chance. Adding a few of ABBA’s live traits such as great solos, musical numbers, and a complete live band with back-up singers, ensures an extra dimension unheard of in most similar productions.
 
Dance, sing and disco the night away with ABBA hits such as “Dancing Queen,” “Chiquitita,” “Waterloo,” “Mamma Mia,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Fernando,” “SOS,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Super Trouper,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” “Voulez-Vous,” and many more.
 
With over 400 million records sold, ABBA is Sweden’s biggest export ever. ABBA is the greatest pop group of all time, running with the likes of Elvis and The Beatles. ABBA started in 1971 and ended as a group in 1982. Their music continues to be passed on from generation to generation and is loved by the whole world.
   
“People think of a symphony orchestra as only playing classical music,” said CEO Andy Buelow; “But our group can play anything: jazz, rock, Broadway, film—and definitely the music of ABBA! An orchestra is really just a huge, versatile single instrument. Join us on October 3 and experience the magic first-hand!”

ABBA Costume Contest:
Concert attendees are encouraged to break out those sequins and platform shoes to channel their inner Dancing Queen and show off their best 70s-inspired ABBA looks. Judges will be on hand pre-concert 6:30-7:25 and during intermission in the W. Western Ave Lobby. The costume contest is open to all ages, and prizes will be awarded for the most fabulous ABBA-inspired outfits! Need costume inspiration? Click HERE for some fun costume ideas! 

Try Symphony! First-Time Attendee Discounted Ticket Program: 
If you’ve never attended a WMS concert, you are invited to participate in the “Try Symphony! Introductory Ticket Program.” First-time WMS attendees can enjoy 50% off ONE ticket or buy two tickets and get one FREE (two ticket limit). The current promotion is for the October 3 Music of ABBA concert. To claim this offer, register on the symphony’s website HERE.  Once registered, WMS staff member will contact you to arrange for your tickets.  Offer expires Wednesday, October 1, limitations and exclusions may apply.

More About West Michigan Symphony 
An anchor cultural organization headquartered in Muskegon, West Michigan Symphony is a resident presenting group at the Frauenthal Center, where its eight-concert season is the most visible part of a larger artistic enterprise of far-reaching community benefit. WMS concerts and education events bring 16,500 people—more than 30% of whom are children and students—downtown annually, making it the largest performing arts organization on the West Shore. The WMS is a non-profit 501c3 entity that provides community culture experiences and music for all, with support from donations and grants. Sponsorship, individual donations, and engagement opportunities are always available. For more information click HERE
 
Media
If media is interested in attending and covering a WMS event, a limited number of media passes are available. Please contact Carla Flanders for more information. For Media Resources click HERE

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Michigan Arts & Culture Council
National Endowment for the Arts