If Folly is the opposite of Reason, then musicians throughout the ages have embraced this side of human behaviour and celebrated it through songs, dances and musical variations and more. Follies can be pleasant, painful and everything in-between.
This programme celebrates some of these musical depictions; the intense desires of the French chansons, the Mad songs of Restoration England, the enduring tune of ‘La Follia’ and all extremes of emotion and behaviour in music.
Heloïse Bernard, Annemarie Klein and Jan Waterfield (voice, recorders and harpsichord) will perform major works by Bernier, Rameau, Couperin, De Bailly, Janequin, de Rore, Purcell, Handel, Eccles and others.
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Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Join the Edinburgh Quadrille Society and learn dances from the Jane Austen / Bridgerton era at Institut français d'Écosse!
READ MOREWant to practice your French in an informal setting? Join us at the Institut français d’Écosse for a relaxed morning chat – over a cup of coffee or tea and a croissant or pain au chocolat!
READ MOREJoin our team of volunteers at St Cecilia's Hall for a FREE weekly tour of the collection!
READ MOREDiscover the legacy of Pierre Boulez (1925-2016), one of the most influential figures in post-war European music and culture, through a series of conferences and concerts.
READ MOREJoin us at St Cecilia's Hall on 8th November for this month’s quiet concert featuring music from Prana: North Indian classical and fusion music for sitar, tabla, violin, bansuri and handpan!
READ MOREEnjoy a screening of the buoyant comedy 'The Safe House' at the Institut français d'Écosse on Saturday 8th November, followed by a Q&A with film director Lionel Baier!
READ MOREGaumont Anniversary Special Event of the silent film Fantômas with live musical accompaniment is taking place at the Institut français d'Écosse on Sunday 9th November!
READ MOREDoves in Zero Gravity, screening at Institut français d'Écosse on 10th November, examines how lessons from the past can help to shape peace operations of the future.
READ MORECome along to the Institut français d’Écosse on 11th November when Nina Six will be discussing her work and signing copies of her graphic novels.
READ MORECome along to the Institut français d'Écosse on Wednesday 12th November and meet author Arnaud de La Grange - journalist, UK and Ireland correspondent for Le Figaro, and a writer!
READ MOREJoin Michael Nevin for this presentation at Institut français d'Ecosse as he discusses the end of the Auld Alliance, set up in 1295 for the mutual defence against their shared adversary, England.
READ MOREThis is an understated film about economic migration, told in a straightforward and powerful style, a meditation on faith, connection and resilience in an increasingly fragmented world.
READ MORENina and the Hedgehog’s Secret is an exquisite and enchanting new animated feature, featuring the voice talents of beloved French cinema icons Audrey Tautou and Guillaume Canet.
READ MOREJoin us at St Cecilia's Hall on Saturday, 15 November for our annual celebration of the eclectic music-making that goes on across Edinburgh all-year round!
READ MOREFree this Winter at St Cecilia's Hall, can you find all 8 snow-people hidden around the galleries and answer each of their questions?
READ MOREMargarethe von Trotta’s Hannah Arendt is a powerful biopic about one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. Catch the screening at Institut français d'Ecosse on 18th November!
READ MOREJoin us at the Institut français d'Ecosse on Friday 21st November for this screening of Paris Memories!
READ MORECome along and meet British comics artist and writer Bryan Talbot at the Institut français d’Écosse on Saturday 22nd November.
READ MOREThe Baroque Ménagerie - An exploration of animal and bird life in music from the 16th to the 18th centuries. To include music by Purcell, Monteverdi, Gibbons, Biber, Clérambault & Telemann.
READ MOREJoin Sangstream, an Edinburgh-based community choir, at the beautiful venue of St Cecilia’s Hall for an afternoon of folk song on Saturday 29th November!
READ MOREJoin us at the Institut français d'Ecosse for a magical Christmas Storytime filled with festive tales and crafts on Saturday 29th November!
READ MOREJoin Opera Caledonia for a day of concerts & events celebrating the vast variety of musical & dramatic styles of French opera, set in the stunning surroundings of the Institut français d’Écosse!
READ MOREJoin us at St Cecilia's Hall on 5th December for this month’s quiet concert featuring music from FOLK(ISH) with the Haver String Quartet!
READ MORECome and test your knowledge about France and French language in a fun and relaxed atmosphere at the Institut français d’Ecosse on Friday 5th December!
READ MOREThe Cantata Series is proud to present Still Life: Early Baroque Fantasy with Música d'Outrora at St Celcilia's Hall on 6th December!
READ MOREThe Edinburgh Quartet presents the third concert of their series at St. Cecilia’s Hall on Tuesday 9th December.
READ MOREJoin us at the Institut français d'Écosse for a vibrant and heartfelt theatrical adaptation, directed by Stéphanie Goud and inspired by Victor Hugo’s timeless masterpiece “Les Misérables”!
READ MOREJoin us for the World Premiere performance of The Gemstone Arias composed by Jay Capperauld with text by Niall Campbell, performed by Rosie Lavery (soprano) and Anna Michels (piano).
READ MOREL’Atalante was the only full-length film made by Jean Vigo before his tragic early death. The film is now considered to be one of cinema’s very greatest works.
READ MOREJoin the Edinburgh Quartet at St Cecilia's Hall for a series of Lunchtime Concerts in 2026!
READ MORELooking for an afternoon of imagination and joy? Don’t miss our Family Afternoon at the Institut français d’Écosse on Thursday 19th February, suitable for ages 3 to 10!
READ MOREHoly Cow is an enchanting first film by Louise Courvoisier that was awarded the 2024 Youth Prize at Cannes’ Un Certain regard competition, as well as the Best First Feature film.
READ MORESPIRITUEUSES, a performance by the Âtre Collective, celebrates the often-overlooked role of women in the history of spirit production.
READ MOREAn Algerian professor is hired at a Montreal public school to take the place of a professor who died tragically in her own classroom and helps his students overcome their grief.
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We’re famous for the Ceilidhs in our stunning Auditorium at the Ghillie Dhu, so come along a make it a night to remember!
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Edinburgh Ceilidhs invites you to their regular ceilidh in the Charteris Centre with caller Ken Gourlay, ceilidh band and piper!
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Annasach Ceilidh Band invites you to our regular ceilidh in the hidden gem of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Counting House!
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Scotland's beloved over 30s afternoon clubbing event Disco Days returns to Club Tropicana Edinburgh in 2025!
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Join us at Club Tropicana Edinburgh for an unforgettable day filled with the chart-topping tracks of Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, and many more!
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You are warmly invited to join us at the German Church for our Rhyme Time for Under 5s, once a month during term time!
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Old Skool Days is back for another round of 90s & 00s Afternoon Anthems at Edinburgh's favourite retro venue!
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Castle Chorus is a small, friendly choir open to anybody who loves singing. If you’re interested in coming along, singing some songs and meeting new people, feel free to just turn up on a Thursday!
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