INTERVIEW If you could ask Porter or Piaf one question, what would it be and why? TAC: I would ask Edith Piaf about how she went about writing her songs, what other music inspired her, what it was like when she was taken in by her grandmother (a brothel madam) and abandoned by her own mother (which she later perpetuated on her daughter). There were so many challenges in that woman’s life, she seemed to be in equal parts so strong and so fragile. Not unlike the great Amy Winehouse who also features in the show. FC: What was the best party you ever had? One question is simply not enough! I’d want to go back in time and spend a night with them at one of their lavish soirees. They were brilliant individuals, but can you imagine the characters that surrounded them? It must have been fabulously interesting and entertaining. What inspires you the most about classic crooners? TAC: When you look at their lives what keeps popping up is how difficult circumstances often were; life on the streets, poverty, ill-health. The stock of many performers was just so vital and forceful. I think enthusiasm in the face FIFI L’AMOUR Come on a journey to the cabaret clubs of Paris with classical singer Fiona Campbell and internationally acclaimed pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska. A concert of the explosive, seductive and romantic world of French inspired cabaret with a twist! Join these two inspirational Australians as they perform a range of classics from Porter to Piaf as well as new arrangements of songs from Britney Spears to Amy Winehouse. Sunday 23 July at 2pm See website for prices and details. of failure is one of the most important qualities that ties many ‘classic’ performers together, the refusal to be discouraged; the undiminished vigour for their own path. FC: Apart from being incredibly cooI, I love their soft, intimate, authentic delivery. They make you feel as though you are the only person in the room, they are singing just for you…real class. In the concert you will also be performing re-imagined songs from the world of pop. What can audiences expect? TAC: Iain Grandage has expertly arranged several songs from Britney Spears to Amy Winehouse. I think the audience can expect all the power and familiarity of the originals with the added intimacy that an acoustic performance gives. FC: The best song writers on the planet are writing for the pop industry. I think audiences will be blown away by the potency these songs have in an acoustic environment without all the razzle dazzle of studio production. In fact, I infinitely prefer our sultry, ‘habanera’ version of Toxic to the original and once you’ve heard it, you’ll never go back! FIONA CAMPBELL TAMARA-ANNA CISLOWSKA 9