Diamanda Galás

Avant-garde singer and virtuoso pianist Diamanda Galás appears at New York’s hottest new venue with two programs of songs displaying her signature blend of sophisticated vocal weaponry and raw emotions: Imitation of Life on August 6 & 12 and Chansons Malheureuses and Amanedhes (Melancholic Songs and Amanedhes) on August 19.

In Imitation of Life, Galás transforms classic jazz standards and French ballads about the thrill and pain of romantic love into haunting elegies to Eros. The set of chosen songs draws its inspiration from the ancient Greek meaning of desire – an ambivalent state of being combining both the sweet and the bitter. Accompanied by her own ominous piano, the dark queen of extended technique delivers an unforgettable set of songs, ranging from lovers’ blind fascination to carnivorous desire. Both concerts include different selections of songs made famous by Earl Grant, Chet Baker, Ronnie Earl, Jacques Brel, Juliette Greco, Edith Piaf, and Marlene Dietrich. They also include selections from Galás’ upcoming compilation of tragic, homicidal love songs, Guilty, Guilty, Guilty.

With Chansons Malheureuses and Amanedhes, Galás combines original compositions set upon the poetry of symbolist and surrealist French poets with the dazzling vocal tradition of the Amanedhes (improvised lamentations from Asia Minor and the Middle East), and Greek and Armenian Rembetika songs. The evening features, among others, “Keigome Keigome,” “Hastayim Yasiyorum” by Udi Hrant, songs by the great Stelios Kazantzithis and texts by Gerard de Nerval, Aime Cesaire, Jules Supervielle and Ferdinand Freiliger.

18 and over with ID