Music

Jazz by the Sea – Le Voyage à Paris, French Chansons

Sunday 14 July 2024

Celebrate Parisian chic on Bastille Day as vocalist Magdalena Atkinson sings a varied programme of well loved songs from the greats, including Edith Piaf, Charles Trenet and Charles Aznavour. Most familiar will be the classic music of Piaf, France’s most beloved entertainer, national icon and musical legend.

Book Now

Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £14.00
On the door £16.00

10% off for members

Unreserved Seating

Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy.

Booking fee may apply

Celebrate Parisian chic on Bastille Day as vocalist Magdalena Atkinson sings a varied programme of well loved songs from the greats, including Edith Piaf, Charles Trenet and Charles Aznavour. Most familiar will be the classic music of Piaf, France’s most beloved entertainer, national icon and musical legend.

Magdalena’s singing is not an impersonation but an interpretation, always heartfelt, sometimes humorous, and musical highlights are plentiful, from ‘Milord’ to ‘La Vie en Rose’, ‘Mon Dieu’ to the inevitable ‘Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien’. Philip Clouts is the perfect accompanist for this project, being a composer and pianist both in his own quartet and also in Zubop, described in the Observer as “that spirited, hugely enjoyable jazz outfit, which takes the whole world of music as its home territory” 

Edith Piaf was one of the most popular performers in France during World War II. Her nervous energy and small stature inspired the nickname that stayed with her all her life: La Môme Piaf (“The Little Sparrow”). She commissioned songs that romanticised her life on the streets, emphasising her passion and inner strength. Her music was often autobiographical with her singing reflecting her life, particularly in songs of of love, loss and sorrow.

Piaf died in 1963; her last words were “Every damn fool thing you do in this life, you pay for.” Of Piaf’s many ballads, “La Vie en Rose” is remembered as her signature song.

“What an evening! Magdalena’s sultry singing transformed us back to the smoky cafes of Paris in the 60’s – she has the vocal richness of Piaf, with her own imaginative embellishments, richly supported by Philip.”

– Pat Sale, Dorset Twinning Association.