A COLLECTION of French chansons will be performed by artists Magdalena Atkinson and Philip Clouts at Bridport Arts Centre on Friday, February 14.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Parisian chic as the Dorchester-based vocalist Magdalena sings a varied programme of well-loved songs by the likes of Edith Piaf, Charles Trenet and Charles Aznavour.

Having spent three years in French-speaking Algeria as a child, Magdalena's love for chansons began young. She went on to study music to Masters level and was inspired by classes with the renowned soprano Evelyn Tubb and countertenor Kai Wessel.

Combining her singing with her lifelong study of French language and culture, chansons have become the ideal way for her to communicate her love of both.

Most familiar to audiences will be the classic music of Edith Piaf, France’s most beloved entertainer, national icon and musical legend. Edith was one of the most popular performers in France during World War II. Her nervous energy and small stature inspired the nickname that stayed with her all her life: La Môme Piaf (the little sparrow).

She commissioned songs that romanticised her life on the streets, emphasizing her passion and inner strength. Her music was often autobiographical with her singing reflecting her life, particularly in songs of of love, loss and sorrow.

After the war, she rose to international stardom as a symbol of French passion and tenacity, and toured the world. Her personal life was characteristically dramatic: she was involved in three serious car crashes, and had high-profile romances with many of her male associates and some of the biggest celebrities in France. Edith died in 1963.

Philip Clouts is the perfect accompanist for this project, being a composer and pianist both in his own quartet and also in the jazz outfit Zubop.

Other musical highlights of show will include Milord, La Vie en Rose, Mon Dieu and Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien.

The performance at Bridport Arts Centre begins at 8pm. Tickets are £12, available from the venue website or box office.