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Late French singer Edith Piaf will be celebrated in a concert filled with her music and other famous songs from the 1900s to also honor the Liberation of Paris in 1944, with Mimi Pirard from SonoMusette to be the featured singer during the show at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery in Danville.
Despite passing away over 59 years ago, Piaf's legacy still resonates as an international musical star and the voice of French music that she produced about her own personal life through Chanson and Torch songs about love, loss and sorrow.
Pirard is set to use her powerful and emotional interpretations of Piaf's classic songs to provide a fresh and exciting take on the original music while keeping it faithful to its spirit and tradition, according to theater officials. Other musicians of SonoMusette will weave musette accordion, piano, guitar, upright bass and drums to create a musical tapestry for songs such as Piaf's and music made famous by other iconic French performers of the era.
"If you are a lover of music and/or the work of Edith Piaf, SonoMusette and Mimi Pirard are going to do a phenomenal job in re-creating that experience of listening to Edith Piaf as was once heard long ago," John Dunn, performing arts coordinator, told DanvilleSanRamon. "Mimi Pirard's vocals are a spirited re-creation of Edith Piaf's. While she does put her own spin on it, she stays true to Edith Piaf when she sings her music."
Dunn believes that Piaf's legacy can easily relate to anyone today through her strength and resilience. She risked her own life and reputation during World War II by hiding Jewish colleagues, sang their banned songs in defiance, and helped French prisoners escape during her Germany tour while organizing charity events to support the families and victims of those who died in the camps.
"I think attendees will gain a newfound appreciation for her and the mark she made on history," Dunn said. "I think they will get a better understanding of the impact Edith Piaf had on the world and how she created an identity and culture for France that the world sees today."
"I want audiences to envision themselves traveling to France at the turn of the century, visiting a lounge listening to the music that carried the French spirit and romanticism around the world," Dunn added.
The concert will be held at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery on Saturday (Aug. 19) at 7 p.m and World War II relics will be on display for viewing in the gallery. Tickets are available for $35 at danville.ca.gov/vtshows.
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