Hugh Coltman et l’ensemble Contraste

"Smile" is an elegant, poetic evening that traverses the captivating history of vocal jazz, drawing inspiration from Charlie Chaplin's famous standard to explore the legacy of crooners from Frank Sinatra to Nina Simone. To capture the essence of these musical eras, Ensemble Contraste can count on the charisma of Franco-British singer Hugh Coltman (2-time Victoires du Jazz winner), familiar with these emblematic jazz figures. Based on original arrangements, imbued with the romanticism of strings - Arnaud Thorette's viola and Alix Merckx's double bass - and the jazz energy of Johan Farjot's piano, the "Smile" concert is aimed at both novices and fans of the genre, in an evening of tribute to "miked" singers, eternal elegant crooners.

Ensemble Contraste's concert and outreach activities are supported by the Ministère de la Culture/Direction régionale des affaires culturelles des Hauts-de-France, the Région Hauts-de-France, the Département du Pas-de-Calais, Spedidam, the Caisse des Dépôts et de Consignations and the Fondation de la Musique avant toute chose. Contraste is a member of PROFEDIM, a board member of FEVIS (Fédération des Ensembles Vocaux et Instrumentaux Spécialisés), an associate member of SCPP (Société civile des producteurs photographiques) and SACEM (Société des auteurs, compositeurs et éditeurs de musique).