Dutch musician Emma Wieriks might only have around 11,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel, but when she uploaded one of her final university coursework performances to the site back in 2020 – an orchestral revamp of Barry Manilow’s career-defining single, “Copacabana (At the Copa)”, the incredible footage went viral, amassing over 3.8 million views to date!
Emma let her video description do the talking for her, revealing, “As part of my graduation, I had the opportunity to arrange and conduct the song Copacabana for this great ensemble of fellow students. We only got three rehearsals of 45 minutes, and this is the result of working together and having lots of fun!” But even this high-pressure description can’t prepare Music Man readers for how immense Emma’s re-arrangement is.
Manilow’s 1978 original treads a fine line between being a high-energy Latin hit and a fashion runway soundtrack; its electro base topped with string and brass sections, timelessly uplifting and infectiously catchy. But to hear Emma’s orchestra traverse those same exotic Latin rhythms opens this song up to whole new realms of emotional potential. The orchestra’s breadth completely elevates Manilow’s piece to unthinkable new levels, their plush and dreamy tones flowing like a soundtrack hit from a vintage flick.
Jazz-infused layers of backing vocals caramelize into The Beatles’ “A Day In The Life” breed of momentary cacophony, dissolving into a bongo solo, crowned by lead vocals from Job Uitgeest who nails every single note of the song. So many complex parts intertwine that it’s unfathomable that Emma and her orchestra nailed this student performance with less than an hour’s practice beforehand!
But it’s Emma, playing the conductor, who holds this viral clip together, beaming smiles at every chance and clearly enjoying every minute of this performance.
The internet still can’t get enough of this clip, the YouTube comments section flooded with praise, including one viewer who saw straight through to the heart of the hit: “A tragic song with joyful rhythm and melody. This is one of the best songs to tell a tragedy without directly telling it as a tragedy. Barry is a genius.” Another long-term Manilow fan wrote, “As an old musician, it is so wonderful to see a new generation of musicians showing so much pleasure from playing and singing with such verve.”
But fans aren’t just going wild for Emma’s incredible arrangement. Almost every section of the orchestra has been catching viewers’ attention, with fans equally astounded at how close lead vocalist Job sounds to Manilow’s original, writing, “He captures just the right kind of voice for this piece without turning it into mockery. He’s sheer class. The whole orchestra is world class.”
After going viral, Emma returned to her video to spread some love of her own, wholesomely commenting, “I am so glad that we can share our passion for music through this medium. Performing this song made me feel so connected with all people on stage and I am very thankful for this experience. I never expected this many views and comments from all around the world, but reading your positive remarks and personal memories of this song warms my heart!”
Emma Wieriks has transformed “Copacabana (At the Copa)” into an orchestral masterpiece that transcends the original’s vibrant essence, revealing a world of new emotional depth. Her viral arrangement is a testament to her talent and artistic vision. Dive into her captivating soundscapes by exploring the useful links below.