The Best of ABBA (arr. Ted Ricketts): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Ricketts has distilled four of ABBA's signature moments into an arrangement that sits comfortably at Grade 3 without sacrificing the sparkle that makes these songs irresistible. Your orchestra gets to perform music your students recognize and respect, which changes everything about rehearsal buy-in and performance energy. The Broadway connection also gives you built-in context for discussing how popular music moves between genres and mediums.

Bright and propulsive, with moments of genuine tenderness woven through the arrangements. The Overture sets an energetic tone, while "I Have A Dream" offers a chance for your ensemble to demonstrate musicality and sustained tone. "Dancing Queen" closes things out with the infectious momentum the song was built for.

String orchestras aiming for a concert that engages both performers and audiences through familiar, well-crafted material. This works equally well for groups building confidence with popular repertoire or for programs that want to acknowledge contemporary musical culture without sacrificing musicianship.

• Balance the melody line across your violin section so it projects over the harmonic foundation. ABBA's appeal lives in those hooks, and they need to sing through the full ensemble sound.
• Attend to the rhythmic precision in the accompaniment figures. Even at Grade 3, the groove that makes these songs feel alive depends on steady, crisp ensemble playing in the supporting parts.
• Shape phrases with attention to where ABBA's original vocal lines would breathe. This helps your players connect with the material musically rather than treating it as pure technical exercise.
• Watch the articulation markings carefully, especially in passages where staccato shifts to legato. These changes do real work in defining each section.

Open a pops concert with the Overture and Prologue, then sequence the remaining selections to capitalize on the evening's energy. This package also works beautifully as a standalone concert centerpiece, especially for programs serving younger audiences or families new to orchestral music. Spring concerts often benefit from this kind of contemporary repertoire.

• Reading and executing articulation changes (legato to staccato and back)
• Balancing melody against harmonic accompaniment in the string section
• Maintaining rhythmic cohesion in driving pop grooves
• Phrasing and dynamic shaping across extended musical lines
• Ensemble blend and intonation at Grade 3 technical level