We couldn't be more excited that Michel Legrand's AMOUR is finally coming to the UK for a professional production, but we're saddened that Michel himself, who died in January, couldn't see it. If you're ready to fall in love with the show, you'll be excited to hear that a tribute to the composer will be performed at the Southbank Centre this September with a fantastic array of artists and musicians already announced...
Producers Fane Productions are delighted to announce artists confirmed so far for this tribute to Michel Legrand at the Royal Festival Hall on 20 September including Alison Moyet, Richard Hadfield, Maria Friedman and Tamsin Little who will join Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra under artistic director James Pearson.
In late January the renowned French film composer and jazz legend Michel Legrand passed away. This news came only two weeks after announcing his concert with the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra this September at The Royal Festival Hall, and only four months after his unforgettable sold out concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Now this concert becomes a unique tribute to his everlasting impact on 20th century music.
Joining the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra on piano, will be their very own artistic director, James Pearson. In an evening rooted in Legrand’s legendary 1999 Big Band jazz album, as well as his magical film scores, they will be joined by some very special guests including celebrated songstress Alison Moyet, multiple Olivier Award winner Maria Friedman, rising jazz star Richard Hadfield and renowned classical violinist Tasmin Little, and many more guests still to be announced. Expect stirring video tributes too from former collaborators and friends of Legrand who can’t be there on the night including Quincy Jones, Sir Michael Parkinson and others.
A three-time Oscar and five-time Grammy Award winner, Legrand’s unique ear for a memorable tune and his towering skills as a jazz pianist and composer will be celebrated in powerful arrangements of some of his greatest hits including The Windmills of Your Mind, Ray Blues, Summer of 42, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Dingo Rock, How do you Keep the Music Playing, Yentl and many more… Unforgettable melodies imprinted on the history of jazz, song, and film music.
James Albrecht of Fane Productions said:‘We are so happy that artists are lining up to pay tribute to Michel in this way. Most of them have their own personal connections to him and will be choosing which songs they will perform. This is a fitting way to pay tribute and we know it will be an unforgettable evening for artists and audiences alike.’
Tickets go on general sale tomorrow, Wednesday 24 January. The proceeds from the concert will go to a music charity. More special guests will be announced soon.
