Michael Berkeley introduces the first programme from this year's Almeida Festival. Ingrid Caven was already a major German film actress, often starring in the movies of Fassbinder, when she first appeared as a singer on the Paris stage. Critics hailed her at once as 'the natural heir to Brecht. Dietrich and Piaf.'
In a series of acclaimed one-woman shows since then, she has established herself as a unique artiste.
Tonight Ingrid Caven makes her London debut in a wide range of songs - humorous, wistful, ironic - most of them written specially for her. She also pays tribute to Edith Piaf on the 25th anniversary of the singer's death.
In the interval, Michael Berkeley talks to another visitor to the festival, musician and humorist Nicholas Slonimsky.
(Concert presented in association with Lufthansa)
9.30 - 9.50 Interval
A simultaneous broadcast with Radio 3. Viewers with stereo Radio 3 may wish to turn off TV sound and position their speakers on either side of the screen, a few feet away. Stereo headphones provide a suitable alternative.