PIGALLE! The Life and Music of Edith Piaf comes to the University Concert Hall on Sunday September 14 hot on the heels of this year's celebrated Oscar winner Marion Cotillard's famed portrayal of France's iconic singer.

Ireland's own Derby Browne will present her personal homage to the life and times of Piaf, known fondly as 'The Sparrow'. Browne's homage to the legendary French singer at UCH next month will include performances of her best-loved songs such as 'La Vien en Rose', 'Hymne a L'Amour', 'Milord' and 'Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien'.

Piaf, who is regarded as France's greatest popular singer, was discovered in the Pigalle areas of Paris in 1935 by nightclub owner Louis Leplee. Her singing reflected her tragic life, with her speciality being poignant ballads represented with a heartbreaking voice. Piaf enjoyed success shortly before and during World War II. She wrote her signature song, 'La Vie En Rose, in the middle of the German occupation during the war. During this time, she was in great demand and very successful. Singing for high-ranking Germans at the One Two Two Club earned the singer the right to pose for photos with French prisoners of war as a morale-boosting exercise. Once in possession of their celebrity photos, prisoners were able to cut out their own images and use them in forged papers as part of escape plans.

Today, Piaf's association with the French Resistance is well known and many owe their lives to her. After the war, Edith toured Europe and America becoming an internationally known figure. Derby Browne's tribute to the great French singer at UCH next month will see her joined on stage by the Café de Paris Ensemble with special guests the Can-Can Follies and belly-dance Burlesque star Bella-a-Go-Go.

Pigalle! Is also packed with evocative French café music and includes songs by other celebrated French singing-stars including Charles Trenet, Francis Lai, Michel Le Grand and Jacques Brel. Written and produced by Derby Browne, arrangements are by Cian Boylan.

Pigalle! The Life and Music of Edith Piaf comes to UCH on Sunday September 14. For tickets or other information contact 061-331549 or log onto www.uch.ie.

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