A new cultural initiative being launched by Signature Art Gallery aims to create a different kind of creative experience for Cape Town audiences.
“The Music and Art Series” initiative has been conceived by artist and Signature Art Gallery owner Craig Morris, who believes that the traditional role of a gallery can extend beyond exhibiting visual art.
The series will bring together different forms of creative expression in carefully curated, intimate events, allowing art, music, theatre, food and wine to become part of one immersive experience.
The inaugural production, Paris Nights – Les nuits de Paris, sets the bar high.
For its opening production, Signature Art Gallery welcomes internationally acclaimed New York cabaret artist Adrienne Haan for a romantic musical journey through the city of love.
Cabaret is an art form that has fascinated people for decades, and it is one of the oldest art forms in show business. Haan decided to become a cabaret artist because she is also a storyteller
“It is important that you make every cabaret personal so people can learn about you as well as history. My cabarets are intimate and Signature Art Gallery is the perfect venue to bring an authentic French Cabaret to Cape Town, as the art form is pretty much unknown here.”
Haan describes the gallery as an inspiring place full of unique, beautiful sculptures and paintings by some of South Africa’s finest artists.
With Morris, Haan wants to make Paris Nights – Les nuits de Paris the ultimate experience for our audience by presenting an authentic 85-minute French Cabaret under the patronage of the French Consulate General in Cape Town, accompanied by my South African pianist Cornel Engelbrecht, offering food and wine.
“I absolutely love these intimate evenings because you can directly communicate with the audience and they can communicate with you, which makes this a very different experience than going to a concert or to the theater. “
For Paris Nights, Haan will be interpreting music associated with icons such as Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and Jacques Brel.
When it comes to stepping into the world of a song like one of Piaf’s classics, Haan balances honouring the original artist by remaining herself. “I am not trying to imitate or impersonate another performer. Adrienne always remains authentically Adrienne.
“It’s a true storytelling experience through music, my personal artistic journey combined with the journeys of those who came before me.
“Fussing around with the audience, sitting on people’s laps, joking and flirting with some of the men and women in the audience is also part of the cabaret. I honor the original artist by bringing their stories to life, yet I always remain myself.”
Haan explained that she and the Signature Art Gallery owner are trying to bring people into an art gallery and enjoy music, food and great wine while surrounded by fantastic art by some of Africa’s greatest artists.
“I do believe audiences crave these kinds of experiences where unusual things happen in unusual places. Instead of simply strolling through an art gallery or merely going to see yet another classical concert, we are combining visual arts, fine arts, performing arts and culinary arts by involving the audience.
“We are also combining all five senses: visual (art), listening (music), touch (sculptures), taste (good food and wine), smell (wine and food).”’
Haan is excited to bring the Parisian experience to Cape Town, noting similarities between the worlds of French cabaret and African storytelling.
I have performed often for the United Nations, the European Delegation or work with diplomats and politicians because I believe in the concept “diplomacy through music” which is my great motto.
“I want to build bridges between people and among all nations because in the current world-wide political climate, people and politicians are building walls and there is much hatred. I try to make people understand that music heals wounds, brings people together and that there are no races. There is only one race and that is the human race. “
Signature Art Gallery presents The Music & Art Series, takes place on September 9, 2026.
Tickets are available at Quicket.
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