Jeux de Dames: A portrait of Love - Concert by Ensemble Amarillis
The Institut Francais d’Ecosse proudly present Ensemble Amarillis, their first Scottish performance as part of the Baroque Music Festival 2026.
About Jeux de Dames: A portrait of Love - Concert by Ensemble Amarillis
| 14th April 2026 | |
| 7pm | |
|
Institut Francais d Ecosse Institut Français d'Ecosse West Parliament Square, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1RF |
|
| £15 Full Price / £12 Concession | |
| Event organiser/part of Baroque Music Festival | |
| Visit the event website here | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
| Follow ifecosse on Instagram |
François Couperin’s 1713 preface to his First Book of Harpsichord Pieces places his music under the sign of portraiture: each piece, he explains, is inspired by a specific object, and its title reflects the idea he sought to evoke. These titles, almost all feminine, brief, and suggestive, create a poetic world populated by figures such as "La Muse victorieuse" or "La Voluptueuse". Flautist Héloïse Gaillard, Eleanor Lewis on the bass viol and harpsichordist Jeanne Jourquin build on this feminine universe with a program conceived as a “jeu de dames,” using the intimate timbre of flute and oboe to highlight Couperin’s character pieces alongside works by Philidor, Visée, and Gaultier de Marseille.
The program’s second half highlights Couperin’s ninth concert, his Ritratto dell’amore. Unlike his harpsichord pieces, the dance suites he performed privately for Louis XIV on Sundays at Versailles left almost no trace beyond the composer’s own testimony. The concert reveals a refined and introspective style that frames love in subtly feminized terms. As the program unfolds, additional pieces evoke emotional nuance, culminating in the enigmatic "Mistérieuse", written late in Couperin’s life as a kind of summation. Ultimately, Couperin leads us back to our own inner landscape, offering not a portrait of love alone, but a portrait of ourselves.
Amarillis, Héloïse Gaillard’s ensemble, is acclaimed for its 23 recordings and international touring. Supported by major cultural institutions, Amarillis explores lesser-known Baroque repertoire and creates original interdisciplinary projects blending music with theatre, dance, jazz, or contemporary creation. Committed to transmission, the ensemble launched in 2023 the international academy "Les Chants d’Ulysse" with Patricia Petibon.
The Institut Francais d’Ecosse will proudly present their first Scottish performance as part of the Baroque Music Festival 2026. Heloise Gaillard, Jeanne Jourquin and Eleanor Lewis will perform works by Anne Danican Philidor, Francois Couperin, Gaultier de Marseille, Robert de Visée, Jacques Duphly and Michel De La Barre.
Our Festival Pass gives you access to the five concerts of the Baroque Music Festival in Edinburgh.
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!Sponsored Links
Other Events at Institut Francais d Ecosse or Baroque Music Festival
Regency Dance Classes
Come and learn dances from Jane Austen's time at Institut Français d'Écosse with Talitha MacKenzie, a teacher of Historical Dance & Dance Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
READ MORE
Screening of ‘Three Friend’ by Emmanuel Mouret
Catch this French romcom by Emmanuel Mouret at the Institut français d'Ecosse on Wednesday 18th February!
READ MORE
Family Afternoon: Let’s play with colours
Looking 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 MORE
Screening of Holy Cow (Vingt Dieux)
Holy 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 MORE
Un fil à la patte by Georges Feydeau
Students from the French Society of the University of St Andrews will perform Georges Feydeau's Un fil à la patte at the Institut Français Ecosse on Saturday 21st February!
READ MORE
Concert with the Jen Ewan Band
Fresh 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 MORE
Writing the French Caribbean: an Introduction
Broaden 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 MORE
Screening of ‘The Last French Canadian’ + Q&A with director Pascal Justin Boyer
Don't miss a screening of 'The Last French Canadian' at the Institut Français Ecosse followed by a Q&A with director Pascal Justin Boyer.
READ MORE
SPIRITUEUSES – Women and Whisky
SPIRITUEUSES, a performance by the Âtre Collective, celebrates the often-overlooked role of women in the history of spirit production.
READ MORE
Screening of La Vie est belle
La 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 MORE
Marion du Faouët, La Catin aux cheveux rouges performed by Les Escogriffes
Edinburgh University's French Theatre Society, Les Escogriffes, return to the Institut Français d'Ecosse to perform in French Colette Cosnier's Marion du Faouët: La catin aux cheveux rouges!
READ MORE
Screening of Monsieur Lazhar
An 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 MORE
Children Show: Paws Up!
This 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 MORE
Cinetopia Salons: Finis Terrae & Live Performance
Cinetopia in collaboration with the Edinburgh Film Guild are proud to present a newly composed original score by Edinburgh-based multi-instrumentalist Dan Abrahams and French drummer Phillipe Boudot.
READ MORE
RCS presents : Alexander Krylov in concert
For the Baroque Music Festival 2026, Alexander Krylov will present a solo programme of works including Bach, Scarlatti and Couperin.
READ MORE
Blessed Echoes by Ensemble Près de votre oreille
Since 2017, Près de votre oreille has developed an original artistic identity, recording several acclaimed albums and performing internationally.
READ MORE
John Butt in Concert
Musical 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 MORE
Italian Baroque: Monika d’Ermo Recital followed by Cenacolo Musicale
The 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 MORE
Concert with Les Fils Canouche
After 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 MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Royal Mile Chamber Music Series
The Edinburgh Royal Mile Chamber Music Series returns to St Giles, Cathedral for its second season, following a widely acclaimed launch.
READ MORE
Story Platform
Story Platform is a monthly live event at The Gilded Saloon, created to uplift Scottish writers and performers through stand up, music, sketch comedy, and more!
READ MORE
Winter Wellbeing Challenge
As winter begins, the wonderful folk at SHBT are inviting you to take part in a monthly activity in the beautiful Historic Building Riddles Court, just off the Royal Mile.
READ MORE
Chopin & Champagne by Candlelight
Enjoy an exceptional classical concert by candlelight in the beautiful setting of St Mary's Cathedral, that perfectly complements the romantic brilliance of Chopin's music.
READ MORE
Candlelight: Coldplay and Ed Sheeran
Get your tickets now and discover the music of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh under the gentle glow of candlelight!
READ MORE
Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations... discover the music of Queen vs. ABBA at St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral!
READ MORE
Beethoven Sonatas By Candlelight
Treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional early evening piano recital at the beautiful candlelit venue of St Giles' Cathedral!
READ MORE
Castle Chorus Weekly Rehearsal
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!
READ MORE
GirlyPop Live
After a trail of sold-out shows and unforgettable memories, GirlyPop Live is coming to Edinburgh Corn Exchange featuring your favourite Pop icons in one live show brought to you by the best tributes!
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links