There’s a brand-new festival in town to liven up the Spring evenings, thanks to the Institut Français d’Écosse…
The inaugural edition of the Baroque Festival will run from 1st April to 10th May at the French Institute’s headquarters on the Royal Mile, with events also being hosted at Saint Cecilia’s Hall, Greyfriars Kirk and the Kelvin West Parish Church in Glasgow.
From Bach to Couperin, the Baroque age has a rich treasure trove of music, and the Festival offers a unique twist on many artists of the time. Highlights include Iranian mezzo-soprano Anousha Nazari and French classical guitarist Antoine Morinière blending Handel with 15th-century Persian composer Abd al-Qadir Maraghi; Edinburgh-based historical dance group Ensemble Autrefois mixing Ravel with dances from Couperin’s era; and a special closing piano and harpsichord concert from Maxim Emelyanychev.
The launch, presented by communications coordinator Julia Bregeron, featured a presentation from Ensemble Autrefois’s Talitha MacKenzie, resplendent in authentic Baroque costume. We were also treated to a recital from Scottish duo Sìleas, playing a selection of Baroque and traditional Scottish melodies on French harp and traditional clarsach. The International Harp Festival will run alongside the Baroque Festival from the 11th to 15th April at George Watson’s College.
The Baroque Festival looks certain to be a welcome addition to Edinburgh’s cultural roster. For more information and to book tickets or a whole-festival pass, visit the IFE website.