The Story and Songs of Paris’ ‘Barbara’
Join us on Wednesday, June 11 during the conference programme for a special Cultural Presentation that pays tribute to one of France’s most iconic and beloved chanson singers: Barbara. French singer-songwriter Sophie Leliwa brings to life the story and songs of this legendary figure, whose influential work continues to shape the landscape of French chanson today.
Location: Sorbonne University International Conference Center (CICSU), Room 108 (1F)
Availability: Unlimited
Ticket Price: Free to attend
**This Cultural Presentation is open to all registered IAFOR conference delegates**
About ‘Barbara’ and Chanson
Born Monique Serf in Paris in 1930, Barbara’s life and music are inextricably woven into the soul of the city. After fleeing during the Second World War, she returned to Paris in the 1950s, where she immersed herself in the vibrant world of cabaret. It was in venues like l’Écluse, near Notre-Dame, where she began to build her following, performing the works of Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, and Harry Fragson. Over time, she found her own voice and began to write the deeply personal and poetic songs that would define her career and modern chanson—a genre of French pop music which emerged during the 1950s and 1960s.
Barbara’s music explores themes of love, longing, loss, and survival, reflecting on her war-fled past and the city to which she returned. As “YéYé” pop emerged during the 1960s, Barbara stood at the heart of a golden era of chanson alongside Brel, Brassens, and Ferré. Her performances in storied venues such as Bobino, l’Olympia, and Théâtre du Châtelet remain landmarks in French cultural memory. One of her most cherished songs, ‘Ma plus belle histoire d’amour’, is a heartfelt tribute to her audience: ‘c’est vous’.
Presented by Singer-Songwriter Sophie Leliwa
A passionate interpreter of French chanson, Sophie Leliwa brings a fresh yet faithful voice to Barbara’s legacy. With an intimate style and deep reverence for the poetic tradition, Ms Leliwa interweaves storytelling, history, and live performance to guide modern audiences into Barbara’s world. Her performance draws on the artist’s life in Paris, her artistic resilience, and the enduring emotional resonance of her songs.
Don’t Miss This Celebration of Parisian Culture
Whether you are discovering Barbara for the first time or revisiting her music with affection, Sophie Leliwa’s tribute promises an evening of rare artistic insight and beauty. Join us on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 17:40-18:40 for a unique and inspiring insight into Parisian musical culture!