Pigalle! Life and Music of Edith Piaf tells the story of Edith Piaf and is presented by Irish Chanteuse Derby Browne whose lifelong admiration for Edith Piaf, or The Little Sparrow as she was often known, has led her to produce this fantastic show. Pigalle not only tells the story of Piaf but that of Derby and her exciting adventures as she attempts to pursue a life of a chanteuse.
Pigalle is packed with music from the cabarets and cafes of Paris; with romantic interludes from Parisian tea-shops, carnivals and market-places. Portraying the diminutive chanteuse’s life of poverty from the depths of Paris’ slums to worldwide fame and notoriety. Romance, poverty, success, murder and music – Pigalle has all of the ingredients to transport an audience back to the murky yet glamorous era of 1930s and 1940s Paris.
Derby is accompanied by the crème de la crème of musicians: Piano, Guitar, Accordion, Double Bass & Percussion. Arrangements by David Wray.
Derby Browne
Beginning her illustrious career at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin, Derby Browne was awarded a coveted place at the Conservatory of Music where she studied singing, piano, harpsichord and drama. Upon graduation her professional career began as a member of the Medieval Irish Singers performing at the world famous Bunratty Castle, Co Clare.
Seeking inspiration Derby headed to London and the bright lights of Soho’s Theatreland. The French and Italian jazz cafés that populate the West End side streets ignited a passion in Derby for golden era European cabaret and nightclub performance.
On returning to her native Ireland, Derby began writing and producing her own shows. The first of these was Café Mediterranea, it included a blend of romantic French and Italian music from Europe, wWith a strong influence from artists including Edith Piaf, Sacha Distel, Charles Trenet, Jacques Brel and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Derby has toured her shows throughout Ireland.
Edith Piaf
Edith Piaf was a French cabaret singer, songwriter, and actress. She is widely regarded as France’s national chanteuse, along with being one of France’s greatest international stars. Her music was often autobiographical and her specialty was torch ballads, particularly of love, loss and sorrow. Among her well-known songs are La Vie En Rose and Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.
Pigalle – Life and Music of Edith Piaf, Friday 26th January, 1.05pm, National Concert Hall
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