We catch up with the acclaimed jazz diva, who promises to bring fans on a journey of nostalgia with her upcoming one-night-only concert in Singapore to celebrate 20 years as a solo artiste.

Singapore has always held a special place in Laura Fygi’s heart. The acclaimed jazz chanteuse fondly remembers, “My first show was at (the now-defunct) Harbour Pavillion. I was amazed at how excited the fans were!” It was also in Singapore that she made her acting debut as the lead in the local production of the musical Victor/Victoria in 2009. She cites this as one of the highlights of her solo career, alongside others such as working with great musicians and composers including Michel Legrand and Michael Franks.

All this was reason enough for the multi-faceted diva – who has released 13 albums since the early 1990s – to head back to Singapore for An Evening with Laura Fygi, an exclusive one-night-only-concert to celebrate her 20th anniversary as a solo artiste. Even though the actual anniversary was in 2011, Fygi was not able to perform here then. She says, “You can regard this show as a late celebration, where I will do songs from 20 years of singing.” She will belt out favourites such as Fly Me to the Moon and Corcovado. “It will be full of emotion, laughter and will be a one big party,” she promises.

 

Laura Fygi

 

Singapore Tatler: How has the music industry evolved since your debut over 30 years ago?

Laura Fygi: As we all know, the music industry has been experiencing lots of difficulties since illegal downloads started and we lost control. Fortunately, that has mostly been straightened out and I am especially glad that people still like to go to theatres to watch live performances.

 

Singapore Tatler: In recent interviews, you attributed part of your success to constant reinvention. Why is this so important in ensuring longevity in the entertainment business?

Laura Fygi: I like to challenge myself and try out new things. This way I also keep my audience triggered and hopefully longing for my next album!

 

Singapore Tatler: Is there a particular person, maxim or quote that inspires you?

Laura Fygi: My inspiration comes from listening to the music that my parents played when I was young, and thanks to the people who believed in me, I was able to start a singing career.

 

Singapore Tatler: Your 13th album, Flower, was recorded for the Asian market, with four songs in Chinese and six Chinese songs translated into English. What were some of the challenges you faced while making this album?

Laura Fygi: Turning a traditional Chinese song into a Laura Fygi sound, and of course the Chinese language was quite a challenge! I have sung some of the songs on stage already and Chinese people are ecstatic... they sing along from beginning till end. In Asia the jazz market has developed vastly over the last 10 years – almost to the level in the West.

 
Singapore Tatler: What can your fans look forward to at your concert in Singapore?

Laura Fygi: As always, I will be entertaining them. It will be full of emotion and laughter, and it will become one big party in the end!

 

 

Watch "An Evening with Laura Fygi" at Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa on December 18. Book your tickets at sistic.com.sg