Marking the 30th anniversary of her career, French-Belgian singer Viktor Lazlo will give the first concert of her tour on Dec. 11 at the Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall
Viktor Lazlo, whose name was inspired by the character of Victor in the movie "Casablanca," is a gracious female vocalist. She is known for her unfading beauty and the romantic atmosphere her songs have created on stage for 30 years.Lazlo, who improved her jazz repertoire by performing in the Billie Holiday Musical last year, became famous for her love songs with a Latin jazz rhythm during the '80s. The artist proved that she can sing the blues with her album "Begin the Beguine." Standing out with her fashion decisions, Lazlo is also one of the favorite artists of fashion designers. We talked with Lazlo about her new projects, her 30-year-old career, her latest novel and the Istanbul concert during which she will sing her hits "Breathless" and "Pleurer des Rivieres" along with other milestone songs of her career.
Daily Sabah: This year marks the 30th anniversary of your musical career and you will perform the best songs of these 30 years. How did you decide on your repertoire?
Viktor Lazlo: I cannot believe it has been 30 years. My previous show was a kind of musical which was inspired by Billie Holiday's story and her songs. I will give the first performance of my 30th Year Concert on the night of Dec. 11 in Istanbul, and sing the most beautiful songs of my career. In fact, I have a lot of Turkish fans who have contacted me, and it is important for me to give the first concert of my tour in Turkey. While deciding on the repertoire, we try to determine the most-loved songs on my Facebook page together with my fans including the Turkish ones.
DS: You always manage to look very stylish, and I also know that one of your closest friends is the Turkish fashion designer Atıl Kutoğlu. Do you enjoy fashion?
VL: I love fashion, but it is not necessary to follow the latest fashion trends in order to have a style. The elegance and style of a person do not come from fashion, but from her own charisma and aura. Elegance has nothing to do with fashion. Atıl Kutoğlu is a very good friend of mine, and I am sure that his profession and fashion look alluring to almost everybody, including me.
DS: You said that elegance has nothing to do with fashion, so, who are the most elegant female vocalists of recent years according to you?
VL: The taste and the habits of popular culture are constantly changing. There are women who have a strong image and who are popular. However, I cannot say that many singers such as Beyonce correspond to my perception of elegance. Although popular culture features a lot of famous women besides singers, like Kim Kardashian, I still cannot think of a woman who is famous and elegant.
DS: I also happen to know that there is a brand new novel which you are working on. Can you give us some clues about its plot?
VL: The novel is centered upon a female singer who suddenly disappears. The reader learns more about the protagonist through other people's stories, each revealing her different features. I cannot say more because it will be published in February.
DS: Can you name some of the most magical moments of your career when you look back over the last 30 years?
VL: Besides performing in front of presidents, statesmen and many well-known artists, I also took the stage in different places I had not been before. I remember that I was very excited before my first concert in Japan, but I can say that I feel the same excitement every time I step on the stage. For me, each concert is a different thrill and each country that I go to bears brand new memories. I have so many good memories in Turkey.
DS: Many of your songs can be regarded as very romantic. Which song makes you feel more romantic while performing?
VL: Apart from my most well-known songs, my less famous compositions that I include in my repertoire from time to time give me pleasure. "Waiting for the Night" is one of those songs. Actually, I know that this song is very famous in Turkey although it is not popular in other countries. I will be singing "Waiting for the Night" in Istanbul. That song is extremely romantic according to me.
DS: Finally, do you have a new album coming up or are there new projects to introduce?
VL: We have a stage project which we are trying to prepare for autumn 2015. I will sing the songs of three special women of jazz. Similar to the Billie Holiday project, the show will feature a theatrical scene. The project will be composed of songs from Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Recently, I listen to their songs all day long.
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