Each year since 2011, talented CSU alumni with thriving music careers are invited back to campus to perform in the Alumni Concert Series. This fall, Britta Laree Risner, who graduated from CSU in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and again in 2004 with a Master’s in Music, will grace the Griffin Concert Stage at the University Center for the Arts with her special presentation Pure Piaf: The Life and Music of Edith Piaf
On Saturday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m., Britta will be joined by Karen Stoody, piano; Rich Valentino, accordion; and Maggie Sallee, violin, for this unique performance.
Set in New York City’s Versailles Club in the late 1940s, Pure Piaff is the gripping story of French chanteuse Edith Piaf – Paris’ “Little Sparrow” – her tumultuous rise to international stardom, her loves, and her losses, all wrapped up in the beautiful music she brought to the world, enchanting the masses.
From an unknown street performer to the world’s highest paid singer, Piaf’s life as portrayed in Pure Piaf is a must-see entertainment experience. See and hear why each generation is touched by Piaf’s music in this intoxicating theatrical work.
Pure Piaf is described as intimate and interactive, presenting 16 famous songs including “La Vie En Rose,” “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien,” and “Mon Dieu” in two acts.
Britta has been wowing audiences with her powerful vocals since focusing her musical abilities towards singing at the age of 14. Since graduating, she has headlined such musicals as “Man of la Mancha,” “Anything Goes,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” and many more, earning not only audience accolades, but such critical responses as:
“The heart of this musical beats in Britta Laree’s unflinchingly
sincere performance.” — The Denver Post
“… her voice is full and lusty, and perfect …” — The Coloradoan
For the past eight years, since being introduced to the magic of Edith Piaf and her indelible music, Britta has focused much of her performing energy into becoming a Piaf specialist. She performs music from Piaf’s catalogue regularly with “The Amèlie Trio,” and has performed Pure Piaf locally, nationally, and most recently, during two sold out runs in downtown Denver at Lannie’s.
“As a member of the first class of Vocal Performance Master’s students, I look forward returning to CSU to share this wonderful and unique piece that has been so widely accepted locally and nationally,” said Laree.
Pure Piaf sweeps audiences through a fast-paced, satisfying evening. Join us!