On stage, a single piano, black and white keys, and the charisma of a powerful voice: soprano Claron McFadden embodies the legendary figure of Nina Simone, conveying the singular energy of the woman who aspired to be "the first Black pianist." The entire show is based on Nina Simone's iconic concert at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1976, an event that left its mark with its intensity and musical depth.
Claron McFadden manages to embody Nina Simone beyond a simple mimetic representation, creating, with the help of sound designer Damiano Meacci, a fantastical layering effect between the voices. Allowing herself to be inhabited by Nina's presence, Claron McFadden gracefully illustrates the singularity of the human voice as an inimitable "sound imprint," paying homage to this legendary 1976 performance.
Friday, August 29, 2025 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Tickets on sale at batie.ch
1 hour, no intermission
Claron McFadden, singer
Luigi Noah De Angelis, concept, direction and lighting
Chiara Lagani, dramaturgy and costumes
Claron McFadden & Damiano Meacci, musical creation
Damiano Meacci, electronic music and sound design
Enrico Fedrigoli, photography
Andrea Argentieri, coaching
Ircam & Manuel Poletti, computer music collaboration
Jérémie Bourgogne, Ircam sound distribution
Nicolas Poulet, stage manager
Frédéric Gayaudon, lighting manager
Co-production with La Bâtie-Festival de Genève.
Produced by Fanny & Alexander/E Production; Muziektheater Transparant; Romaeuropa Festival; Tempo Reale
Co-production and co-production by IRCAM – Centre Pompidou and Festival d’Automne in Paris
Family, from 12 years old
Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Presentation of the show with Claron McFadden and Luigi Noah De Angelis
