The Gordon Institute of Performing and Creative Arts (GIPCA), in association with the Elysée Fund, presents Cécile Verny Quartet’s Keep Some Secrets Within as part of their Music in the City concert series.

For more than twenty years, the voice of Cécile Verny has been one of the most important in European jazz; uniting her love for the songs of her West African homeland, gospel, chansons and the American jazz standards in a most distinctive way. Whether sung in English or French; as an earthy shuffle, ballade, chanson, or rhythmic up-tempo number; all the songs capitalise on Verny's uncanny ability to capture a heartfelt story.

The key to her successful career, however, has been the collaboration with her award-winning quartet. Featuring Bernd Heitzler (bass), Andreas Erchinger (piano) and Obi Jenne (percussion), they create timeless jazz, with influences from world music to pop. Their new program, Keep Some Secrets Within, is the formidable outcome of their search for a completely personal sound and rhythmic quality. The Cécile Verny Quartet’s Southern African tour is made possible by the Elysée Fund - a partnership between the Goethe Institut, Institut Français, Alliances Françaises network, and the German and French embassies - which celebrates cultural cooperation between Germany and France. It is presented within the framework of the French Season in South Africa 2012.

This Music in the City concert will take place at Hiddingh Hall, University of Cape Town (UCT) Hiddingh Campus, Orange Street, Cape Town on Wednesday 29 August at 20:00. The performance is free and no booking is necessary. For more information on the Music in the City concert series, please contact the GIPCA office on 021 480 7156.