Micheline Van Hautem is returning to Australia to sing the songs of a famous French songwriter…
There was a time when you’d be more likely to find Micheline Van Hautem singing rock music than French classics. Now entrenched in the work of Jacques Brel, this chanteuse returns to Australia with virtuoso guitarist Erwin van Ligte to sing the songs of Brel.
Here in Australia when we think of Belgium many of us think ‘chocolate’. What should we know about your great country?
Chocolate is a very good one to know about, and beer but also multi lingual, inventive, content folks who love to have a good time and are great cooks. You should taste my Mom’s fries (double fried): the best. With mayonnaise, of course!
What are you most looking forward to seeing on your visit to Australia?
The sun!
You spent a lot of time understanding Brel’s French-written songs. What did you learn?
That passion and poetry make a good match. And that French can be understood by anyone, even though they do not speak it.
Can you tell us about your accompanist, Erwin van Ligten?
He turns six strings into gold and into a whole orchestra. He gives me wings to fly with.
If you were to choose one favourite piece from the show, which would it be, and why?
Amsterdam: a very dynamic song. It starts out intense and slow and ends in a great cloud of explosive passion.
You can see our full interview with Micheline here. Don’t miss Micheline Van Hautem performing La Musique of Jacques Brel at Melbourne Recital Centre.
Micheline sings at The Recital Centre on April 2, at 8pm in the Salon. Tickets are $58 ($54 concession). This performance is in cabaret mode with bar service and light tapas plates. Contact the Box Office or go online for information regarding food and beverage packages.
