Art of Song Festival - Leicester Square Theatre -

Fran Hardcastle previews the The Art of Song Festival, 05 - 19 April, Leicester Square Theatre.

The Art of Song festival, celebrating jazz and cabaret song and singers kicked off at Leicester Square Theatre last night with 5 times Grammy Award winner Michael Feinstein. An expert in the Great American Songbook with an intimate performing style, Feinstein's extensive knowledge of the repertoire was developed in his 20's when he was employed to catalogue Ira Gershwin's record collection. His interpretations of rare and popular musical theatre repertoire are delicately emotional and portray an in-depth lyrical understanding. Feinstein performs every night this week.


Highlights of the rest of the festival include:

-A very rare opportunity to see the grand dame of the British Jazz scene, Cleo Laine, performing her seminal 1964 album 'Shakespeare and All That Jazz' on 16th April.

-On 15th April, Norma Winstone, Tina May, David Mcalmont and Lee Gibson celebrate Duncan Lamont's 80th birthday performing his songs, alongside Duncan himself and special guest Kenny Wheeler.


-Blue Note-recorded, Grammy-nominated jazz singer Stacey Kent joins the festival on 18th April

-Brit icon Ian Shaw joins Gwyneth Herbert for An Evening with Fran Landesman on 19th April.

-Favourites of the London scene, Georgia Mancio, Estelle Kokot and Yots K also participate in the festival, with an evening of Brazilian music from Mancio, a new show from Kokot and an exploration of The Songs of John Barry from Yots.

The Leicester Square Theatre is a friendly and pleasantly intimate venue for an up close and personal experience with some of our finest singers.


Full details and bookings at www.leicestersquaretheatre.com