Melody Gardot
The release of *The Essential Melody Gardot* in 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of the American singer’s career. It’s a personal anthology that she reimagines live in Monaco.
It all began when she was 19. While riding her bike down a street in Philadelphia, Melody Gardot was struck by a car, and it took her two years to recover. Sensitive to light and sound, she found music therapy to be the most effective tool for her recovery.
Her early compositions were naturally soft, slow, and melodic, and she began learning to play the guitar. She went on to write and record the songs for her first EP, *Some Lessons: The Bedroom Sessions*.
Melody Gardot’s breakthrough came in 2009 with *My One and Only Thrill*, produced by Larry Klein with arrangements by Vince Mendoza. The album sold 1.5 million copies and was followed in 2012 by *The Absence*, which topped the Billboard jazz album chart with its more exotic sounds.
The artist’s voice has grown stronger and more robust, and she crafts songs for today’s listeners, influenced by R&B and the blues or featuring hints of modern pop.
Released in October 2024, *The Essential Melody Gardot* is more than just a bestseller. The album traces the singer-songwriter’s journey since 2004, as she has grown and developed her artistry in singing and songwriting. “I tried to create a mood, much like you would with a playlist—especially for the vinyl—so that each side has its own atmosphere,” the artist explains.
She brings this life journey to life on stage with her mysterious, velvety voice.
Thanda Choir
For its first international tour, the Thanda Choir brings together fifteen artists in a vibrant performance that showcases the sounds of South Africa beyond its borders.
Driven by the power of its voices and South African rhythms, this choir deeply believes in the transformative power of music.
Founded in 2023, the Thanda Choir is based in Cape Town, in Khayelitsha, one of the world’s most violent townships, known for its music scene. The ensemble embodies the energy of a new generation of artists who convey an incredible collective spirit through their concerts.
The community vocal ensemble was created to offer young talents the chance to develop their musical potential. Faced with the social and economic challenges of life in the township, it empowers its members to build sustainable careers in the cultural industries and inspire an international audience.
In this emotionally charged music, traditional African harmonies blend with contemporary influences, giving rise to a unique vocal identity.
The young choir draws its strength from the values it cultivates: discipline, unity, and humility. Built on collaboration, it fosters personal growth and leadership, equipping young people with the skills needed to overcome challenges and bring about positive change within their communities.
By unlocking everyone’s potential, the Thanda Choir enables all these talented individuals to raise their voices and change perceptions of the townships. The choir showcases their creativity and resilience through performances that are open to other cultures.
