The Institut français d’Écosse will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a week of special events highlighting its enduring role in bringing France and Scotland closer together. Part of a worldwide network, the Institut is a vibrant space for cultural exchange, offering French language courses, film screenings, library collections, activities for children, festivals, talks and concerts throughout the year.
From 2 to 7 November, between 18h and 21h, the façade of the Institut will come to life with a spectacular mapping projection, created in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University, celebrating the Institut’s 80-year history.
Acclaimed singer Christine Bovill, described as “one of Europe’s finest interpreters of French song”, will launch her album Piaf Revisited, a fresh and deeply moving reimagining of her acclaimed hit show Piaf, a poignant theatrical journey intertwining Edith Piaf’s iconic repertoire.
Author Odile Hughson and Consul General Stéphane Pailler will explore the fascinating history of the Institut français d’Écosse, its predecessors and the organisations that have helped shape the longstanding cultural relationship between France and Scotland.
The anniversary programme will also welcome Franco-British pianist Levi Harvey, an award-winning rising star of the European jazz scene, who will perform music from his debut album Bloom. Inspired by jazz greats including McCoy Tyner and Keith Jarrett, Harvey will be joined on stage by Cyril Drapé on double bass and Pierre-Eden Guilbaud on drums.
Finally, comedians Élise Cochet, Elsa Booij and Gabriel Bird will lead immersive guided tours of the Institut in both French and English. Through a site-specific theatrical performance, they will bring to life the remarkable figures whose stories connect France and Scotland, inviting audiences to discover their extraordinary lives, choices and destinies.
The Institut français d’Écosse is delighted to invite audiences to join this week-long celebration of culture, history and creativity, as it marks 80 years of friendship, exchange and shared cultural experiences between France and Scotland.
Mapping projection on the façade of the Institut | 2 to 7 November | 18.00 to 21.00 | Institut français d’Écosse, Edinburgh | £16 for members, £20 non-members
Piaf revisited: Christine Bovill in concert | Thursday 5 November | 19.00 | Institut français d’Écosse, Edinburgh | £16 for members, £20 non-members
Discover the story of the Institut français d’Écosse with Odile Hughson and Stéphane Pailler | Friday 6 November | 16h | Institut français d’Écosse, Edinburgh | Free event
Jazz Concert with Levi Harvey Trio | Friday 6 November | 19h | Institut français d’Écosse, Edinburgh | £10 for members, £12 non-members
A theatrical journey through the Institut français d’Ecosse | Saturday 7 November | 11.00 in English – 14.00 in French – 17.00 in English | Institut français d’Écosse | Free admission for members, £7 non-members
Venue: Institut français d’Écosse, W Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RN
Contact
- Julia Bregeron, Communications Coordinator
julia.bregeron@institut-francais.org.uk / 013 1285 6029