Les Choses de la Vie – An Evening of French Chanson

About this event

The evening takes its name from Claude Sautet’s 1970 film classic, but here it’s not moving pictures but songs and stories that take centre stage. Carola Moritz (vocals, texts) and Michael Policnik (accordion) spin a programme that stretches from timeless standards to lesser-heard gems of the French chanson repertoire. You’ll hear pieces by Edith Piaf, Boris Vian, Charles Trenet, Patricia Kaas, Léo Ferré, Jacques Brel, Georges Moustaki and others, plus – of course – “La chanson d’Hélène” from the film that gives the night its title. Between songs the duo shares petites histoires: brief, often amusing anecdotes from “Douce France” that touch on war, love, food, politics, parting, longing, loneliness, friendship and the everyday catastrophes of life. The acoustic blend of a warm voice and accordion creates a living-room intimacy, offering a temporary dive into French savoir-vivre. It’s a concert that feels more like a narrated song recital – ideal for anyone fond of French chansons and the tales that live inside them.