Sing In The Truth celebrates the extraordinary artist Nina Simone. The production premiered in 2004 at Carnegie Hall. Four great singers, Dianne Reeves, Lizz Wright, Angelique Kidjo and Nina Simone\'s daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly–who performs underthe name Simone– interpret, together with the Nina Simone Band, Nina Simone’s classical songs.

Eunice Kathleen Waymon (1933-2003) was her real name. She began singing and playing the piano in church. Initially, she wanted to become a classical piano player and study at the famous Juilliard School of Music, but she was rejected for a job in a renowned classical institute. She then opted for jazz and blues and began working in night clubs, even though she would later continue to integrate fragments of Bach and Chopin into her music. During her career she covered many musical styles such as jazz, soul, folk, r & b, gospel and pop. She became the High Priestess of Soul, although she did not claim the title. \"I play classical music and my name is Nina Simone\" she said bluntly. Nina Simone became famously known for the musical expression of her emotions, ranging from exuberant joy to deep melancholy. Those changes were also visible in her personality and private life. For a long time, she could not perform and had difficulty finding capable managers she could trust.

She recorded more than 40 live and studio albums, especially between 1958 and 1974. Some of her most famous songs are My Baby Just Cares For Me, I Put a Spell on You, I Loves You Porgy, Feeling Good, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood and Ai't Got No/I Got Life.

Her daughter, Simone (1962, Westchester, New York USA), released an album of Nina Simone compositions last year. It was called Simone on Simone and is a homage recording with a big band. Simone first walked another path, but eventually became a singer and artist. She also has a rich voice and an innate talent for lyrical improvisation. After her mother’s death in 2003, she became more devoted to the work that her mother left behind.

Angelique Kidjo (1960, Quidah, Benin), as the daughter of an actress and dancer, soon became immersed in music. In addition to many African influences, her music was also influenced by rock artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana. Her latest album Djin Djin, released in 2007, contains contributions from, among others, Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone, Peter Gabriel, Ziggy Marley and Branford Marsalis.

Lizz Wright (1980, Hahira, Georgia USA) is a fantastic new talent. She comes from the gospel tradition. Her father was a minister, pianist and orchestra leader in the church, but she sings jazz, r & b, as well as gospel. In 2008, her third album, entitled The Orchard, was released. She has a rich, strong low alto, uses little vibrato or ornamentation, likes a frugal sound as to make her fabulous voice come to life even more powerfully.

Dianne Reeves (1956, Detroit, Michigan USA) has already triumphed twice at the Gent Jazz Festival. She is unquestionably one of the most powerful jazz vocalists. She has the same musicality as Sarah Vaughan. Reeves has a clear and robust voice, which she also uses as an instrument. Reeves also likes an extensive repertory. If there is someone who keeps the tradition of Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday alive, it is definitely Dianne Reeves.

Dianne Reeves (vocals), Lizz Wright (vocals), Angelique Kidjo (vocals), Simone (vocals), Al Shackman leading the Original Nina Simone Band