Jacques Brel – Rough Diamond celebrates the life and music of the famous Belgian songwriter in The Helix on Wednesday the 2nd and Thursday the 3rd of June.
Jacques Brel – Rough Diamond allows audiences a fascinating glimpse into the psyche of one of the great songwriters of the 20th century. With classics songs such as “Ne Me Quitte Pas”, “Amsterdam” and “Marieke”, Brel wrote sophisticated songs that combined the melodic finesse of the French chanteuse tradition with thoughtful and literate lyrics. His stirring theatrical rendition of his songs transformed Brel into a massive star in France and a much-loved musical icon.
Brel was born in Brussels and taught himself to play guitar at the age of 15. He relocated to Paris at that age of 23 to pursue a career in the music business and played his first concert in 1953. He grew into a big star in France during the '50s and compositions such as “Les Bourgeois”, “Les Flamandes” and “La Valse A Mille Temps” soon became standards in French musical culture.
Brel's music was popularised in the English-speaking world by '60s singer/songwriter Scott Walker and the Off-Broadway revue show, Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well ad Living in Paris. His ability to tackle difficult themes like death, obsession and love saw him influence the songwriting of rock artists like David Bowie and Leonard Cohen. Before he died from lung cancer in 1978 he recorded a final swan song to the music fans, Brel, which went onto sell two million copies.
Jacques Brel – Rough Diamond affords Dublin audiences a chance to catch Brel's songs in all their theatrical brilliance. This critically acclaimed show is performed in English and French by Belgian singer Cedric Vandenschrik and South African pianist Stella Konik. Jacques Brel – Rough Diamond has enthralled audiences in South Africa, Italy and at the Edinburgh International Arts Festival. Don't miss this chance to find out about the creative mind behind those classic songs at this critically acclaimed show in The Helix.
Time: 8.30pm
Tickets: €15 (Concessions €12)
Tickets are available from The Helix booking office.
The Helix
DCU,
Collins Avenue,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 9.
Tel: +353 (0) 1 7007000
