A London concert due to feature Michel Legrand will now be a tribute event to the composer after his death at the age of 86.
The Oscar-winning French pianist had been due to perform at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra on September 20 but the show’s producers now hope it will be a fitting tribute to the musician.
Legrand’s hits included the song Windmills Of Your Mind and the scores for The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg and The Thomas Crown Affair.
Producers @FaneProductions announce that the concert planned for September 20th 2019 at @southbankcentre's Royal Festival Hall will be a fitting tribute following Michel Legrand’s passing at the weekend: https://t.co/OBdN52dz53 pic.twitter.com/o8wTDkOHpt
— The Corner Shop (@tcspr) January 29, 2019
In a statement from producers Fane Productions, James Albrecht said: “Very sadly, only a week and a half after announcing our September 20 concert with Michel Legrand and the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall, we learned of his passing.
“It is no more than four months since Michel’s unforgettable concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, also at the Royal Festival Hall, co-produced by Fane Productions and Ronnie Scott’s.
“Aged 86, and certainly physically and vocally a little frail, Michel nonetheless conducted the 68-piece orchestra and rhythm section with total assurance, and his genius at the piano was as evident as ever.
“In a concert billed as Michel Legrand: 60 years of Music and Movies, we were taken on a magical and nostalgic journey through some of the 20th century’s most memorable film scores whilst clips from The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg, The Thomas Crown Affair, Summer Of 42, Yentl and many more screened above the orchestra.
“The evening had a tangible sense of occasion, even more so in retrospect now that we know it was to be Michel’s last appearance in the UK. What a privilege to have been there.”
The concert on September 20 will still feature Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, as well as special guests.
Current ticket holders have been contacted by Southbank Centre.