THIS IS LONDON JUNE EDITION 2025 - Flipbook - Page 18
it is an ‘industry’, the artist should not
surrender ever to that demand. The artist
should create in a pure and passionate
way their ideas of freedom and beauty in
music, always illuminating the human
condition as challenging and painful as
it is. If you start serving the industry,
you have become a product and have
compromised your integrity. We need to
stay clear of the commercial
enforcements or music will become
nothing more than furniture and remote
controlled wall paper.
18
UTE LEMPER CELEBRATES
COMPOSER KURT WEILL
To celebrate the 125th birthday of
Kurt Weill, Ute Lemper visits Cadogan
Hall to perform her world-renowned
interpretations of his classic repertoire.
Ute will perform on 13 June (19.30).
Since 1985, Ute has told the story of
Weill and his songs when her first
recording, Ute Lemper Sings Kurt Weill,
for Decca Records initiated a worldwide
revival of his work, and Ute inspired new
generations of artists with her
astonishing stage presence, powerful
repertoire and unparalleled readings of
this classic material.
THIS IS LONDON spoke to the artist
about her upcoming performance at
Cadogan Hall, and her career so far.
What was your first break into
show business?
After performing some years in
musical theatre, like Cats, Peter Pan,
Cabaret and the Blue Angel I started to
record for Universal Music/Decca in
1987. These albums were dedicated to the
music of Weimar, the music that was also
oppressed by the Nazis and denounced as
‘degenerate’. I was performing all over the
world with this repertoire, it was so
important to revive this progressive and
revolutionary music – it was the cross
over charts number 1 for many months.
At the same time, I was performing in
musical comedy in Paris, Berlin and
London, soon after this on Broadway in
the musical Chicago. I continued on
stage in the West End as well as acting
in movies. I had a multi layered career
early on in my twenties, and was very
busy in these early years. I had received
a French Moliere Award, a British
Laurence Olivier Award, multiple
Grammy Nominations and had
performed solo shows all over the world.
I was definitely overwhelmed.
What has been your favourite role
to perform?
I really prefer to perform my own
shows. I love inventing and writing
music, as much as creating my own
storylines. Whether it is my Marlene
Dietrich Project, my Kurt Weill concerts,
my Pablo Neruda, Astor Piazzolla or
Charles Bukowski Shows or my
autobiographical Time Traveler Shows.
It is always a deep journey into the depth
of the human condition.
Regarding theatrical roles, I thought
Sally Bowles was a very powerful and
complex role to play.
Do you have any advice for anyone
trying to make it in your industry?
Ohhh. Yes, unfortunately you say
INDUSTRY... that is the problem. Even if
What can you tell us about your
concert at Cadogan Hall?
I will be singing Kurt Weill from
Weimar to Broadway, stripped down to
purely Piano Vocal Clarity. I cannot and
do not want to reproduce the new album
on stage, it would require 20 musicians
and a rhythm track. Therefore I prefer to
do the opposite, drop all the ornaments
of the arrangement and celebrate the
songs of the Pirate Jenny, planning her
revolution in a most pure and humane
way. The broken heart blaming
Sourabaya Johnny for his cruelty and
the scare of the Bogeyman looming
around the streets off Paris, le grand
Lustucru.
You will witness a lone human telling
and singing stories in a timeless,
therefore contemporary way, dancing on
single piano notes for survival. My
pianist Vana Gierig and I will take you
on an incredible journey through history
and also soulful adventures of outcasts
and anti heroes. The stories expand
between war and peace, liberation and
oppression, love and fear.
What’s your secret spot in London?
I am not sure... a stroll through the
parks, a wine in the pub, a chat or a
dance at the river Thames with someone.
Ute’s new album, ‘Pirate Jenny, Kurt
Weill reimagined’ is out now on all
streaming platforms, bringing Kurt
Weill’s Songs to new generations.
Concert tickets: www.cadoganhall.com
T H I S I S L O N D O N M A G A Z I N E • T H I S I S L O N D O N O N L I N E • w w w. t i l . c o m • @ t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g
