MICHELINE VAN HAUTEM Last year, 2005, New York's Backstage magazine awarded Micheline Van Hautem its trophy, 'Outstanding Achievement: International Artist', at its annual Bistro Awards. Reviewing two concerts in Manhattan sponsored by the French Institute, one of its critics had earlier declared: "She is positively luminous, and well on her way to international recognition." While still a teenager, Micheline first took to the stage with Flemish rock bands, attended film school, and then worked for some years as a radio DJ. But it was not until 1998 that things suddenly fell into place when she encountered Frederik Caelen, a classically trained pianist with a master's degree in accordion. Mich en Scène was born. Their show Songs of Jacques Brel has proven so hugely successful that it threatens to remain forever in orbit -- except that Micheline and Frederik have all sorts of other things up their sleeves. Their new show Madame - a tribute to inspiring women - takes them from Amsterdam to the Sydney Opera House. Micheline continues to live in New York, where regularly she performs at different cabaret venues with local musicians and with the Kabarett Kollektif. www.michenscene.com