Laura Fygi: Strictly Dutch treat

MANILA, Philippines - She has toured the world, played in biggest venues all over Europe and Asia, recorded an array of memorable albums in more than 20 years in the music business and has undoubtedly made a name for herself as a respectable artist. 

On June 27, Laura will take center stage at Wil’s Events Place in Quezon City, with special guests (clockwise, from top left) Jacqui Magno, Jeannie Tiongco, Richard Merk and Henry Katindig as musical director

Starting humbly in her home country, The Netherlands, Laura Fygi has won the hearts of music fans all over the globe with her recognizable voice. From the Dutch music scene, she has conquered other big markets like Asia, particularly China, which is considered a unique and stellar achievement.

“I’m always on the look-out for something new because I personally think that you should not repeat yourself,” said Laura, who is the daughter of a Dutch businessman and an Egyptian belly dancer.

Her quest to constantly reinvent herself has allowed Laura to trek different musical pathways, not shying away from any genre or style. Aside from jazz, the multi-faceted diva also had the chance to collaborate with music luminaries such as Michel Legrand, Michael Franks and Toots Thielemans.

Laura has also scored gold and platinum awards for her albums. Moreover, she has conquered theater by playing the lead role in the musical Victor/Victoria, staged in Singapore.

From 1987 to 1991, Laura became a member of the popular Dutch girl trio Centerfold, which donned sexy lingerie when they perform. They charted several hits in their native Netherlands and all over Europe. The group also became famous in Japan.

When she went solo in 1991, Laura released her debut album, Introducing Laura Fygi, where noted Belgian musician Jean “Toots” Thielemans joined her. The album is predominantly loaded with jazz cuts.

After that, several other successful solo releases followed for Laura. She had consecutive albums almost every year released in more than 30 countries. She is adept in delivering great tunes of our times not only in English and Chinese but also in French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Her albums include Bewitched (1993), The Lady Wants To Know (1994), Turn Out the Lamplight (1995), Watch What Happens (1997), where she had the chance to work with well-known French musical composer Legrand.

Laura had other releases — Dream Your Dream (1998), Live (1998), Laura Fygi’s Tunes of Passion (1999), The Latin Touch (2000), Change (2001), Live at Ronnie Scott’s (2003), The Very Best Time of the Year (2004), Rendezvous (2007), Songs from Movies and Musicals (2009) and The Best is Yet To Come (2011).

Her latest album, Flower (2012), is especially recorded for the Asian market and contains Chinese compositions. Four cuts in the new album are recorded in original Chinese, while six titles were translated in English and French.

Since she debuted as solo performer, Laura has performed all over Asia in her more than 20 years in the international music scene. On June 24, she will be seen for the first time in Manila at the Fairmont Raffles Hotel Ballroom in Makati City. The show is presented by Merk’s Place, Radio High, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Fort Victoria, Ayala Land and Globe.

On June 27, Laura will take center stage at Wil’s Events Place in Sgt. Esguerra, Quezon City, with special guests Jacqui Magno, Jeannie Tiongco and Richard Merk. Musical director is Henry Katindig, with top session musicians.

The charity event is a benefit for the CMB Foundation and presented by Wil Tower Mall, Merk’s Place, Wil’s Steak House, BPI, Globe and Lily’s Peanut Butter.