Le Tombeau de Couperin harks back both to the time of Louis XIV and to the years of the Great War, when Maurice Ravel left composing to serve as a driver in the French military. Initially published in 1919 as a piano solo suite of six movements, it was reimagined in 1920 as a ballet in four movements (Prélude followed by three Baroque Dances: Forlane, Menuet, Rigaudon). The movements were dedicated to fallen soldiers who were personal friends and associates.
This programme juxtaposes Le Tombeau de Couperin with dances from the time of François Couperin and excerpts from the original Concerts Royaux, on which Ravel based his work. By presenting this 20th century suite alongside the Baroque music and dance that inspired it, we hope to give the audience a unique insight into Ravel’s creative process.
In addition, two sets of three chansons, one by Couperin and the other by Ravel, will be sung by Early Music vocalist Héloïse Bernard. Also featured will be Tiffany Vong on harpsichord and Tim Macdonald on Baroque violin.
Baroque dances, with music by Jean-Baptiste Lully, Jacques Cordier, André Campra and André Cardinal Destouches, echo the keyboard suites, which will be performed by Edinburgh-based Historical Dance & Music Ensemble Autrefois, led by Talitha MacKenzie, graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and lecturer in Historical Dance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
The Tombeau Project is in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel (7 Mar 1875-28 December 1937).
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
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!The Institut français d'Écosse is screening 'The Editorial Office', a darkly witty new film about truth, corruption, and identity in modern Ukraine.
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 MOREPrize winning film Souleymane’s Story, depicts the harsh reality of delivery cyclist Souleymane who recently immigrated from Guinea. Catch it at Institut français d'Ecosse on 28th January!
READ MOREMélodie is considered as one of the best thrillers and certainly among the most stylish movies of the early 1960s. Watch it at Institut français d'Ecosse on Wednesday 11th February.
READ MORECatch this French romcom by Emmanuel Mouret at the Institut français d'Ecosse on Wednesday 18th February!
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 MOREFresh from supporting the legendary Bill Bailey on tour, the Jennifer Ewan Band bring their stirring and richly layered mix of compelling original songs, Swamp Blues and old-time Cajun dance music!
READ MOREBroaden your horizons on a journey to the French Caribbean for Francophone Month at this talk by Professor Lorna Milne FRSE, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques!
READ MORESPIRITUEUSES, a performance by the Âtre Collective, celebrates the often-overlooked role of women in the history of spirit production.
READ MORELa vie est belle is a 1987 musical comedy directed by Mwezé Ngangura and Benoît Lamy, screening at the Institut français d'Ecosse on 11th March!
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.
READ MOREThis English adaptation of the famous children’s book by Catharina Valckx ‘PAWS UP!’ is a poetic, interactive and funny show, performed in French and English
READ MOREFor the Baroque Music Festival 2026, Alexander Krylov will present a solo programme of works including Bach, Scarlatti and Couperin.
READ MORESince 2017, Près de votre oreille has developed an original artistic identity, recording several acclaimed albums and performing internationally.
READ MOREThe Institut Francais d’Ecosse proudly present Ensemble Amarillis, their first Scottish performance as part of the Baroque Music Festival 2026.
READ MOREMusical Director of the Dunedin Consort, John Butt invites us on a journey that begins in Italy and concludes in Germany as part of the Baroque Music Festival!
READ MOREThe Institut Francais d’Ecosse partners with the Italian Consulate in Edinburgh and the Italian Institute of Culture for an exceptional Night of Italian Baroque Music on Saturday 18th April.
READ MOREAfter a successful tour in France, Les Fils Canouche are heading to Scotland with their new album “Les Pantophiles” and play the Institut français d'Écosse on 7th May!
READ MORE
Free For All is back at Monkey Barrel - with a fresh new vibe! Full-on, no holds barred live comedy for anyone and everyone.
READ MORE
Catch the comedy stars of the future and pro comics trying out new material every Wednesday night at Monkey Barrel Comedy's 'Top Banana'!
READ MORE
Don't miss out on Spandex Comedy! Join us every Tuesday night for a top night of laughs featuring stand up comedians from across the country dropping in to liven up the start of your week!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Ceilidhs invites you to their regular ceilidh in the Charteris Centre with caller Ken Gourlay, ceilidh band and piper!
READ MORE
Join us at The Biscuit Factory on Mondays for a fun-filled night of tossing bags and making new friends, perfect for all skill levels!
READ MORE
Come and join the Cyrenians for their delicious Syrian food cooked with love by their award winning chef Noura Selibi!
READ MORE
Enjoy a night of top stand-up comedy at The Big Show every weekend at Monkey Barrel Comedy, come see a line-up featuring outstanding local, national, and international comedians!
READ MORE