Events - Edimbourg Francais: Edinburgh's French Conversation Group

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Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Good Resolution #54: Speak French

So....you're beginning to think about what you will do in the New Year...
... and you have decided that you want to learn French:

- because you would like to be able to speak to people:

. when you go skiing in Val d'Isere, or for the apres-ski!
. when you support Scotland for the rugby world cup
. when you go to Nice, Biarritz or Calais for your summer holidays

- to seduce that really nice French guy or girl at work,

- to impress your friends with witty comments about French grammar
(yes, OK, that is stretching it a tad!!!),

- to take your revenge on your horrible French teacher at school,
and swear at her/him in French next time you see her/him casually walking down the road,

- because you like couture, champagne and creme brulee,

- or maybe just for the hell of it, to meet cool people and learn something interesting in the process...

Whatever your reasons,
..... you've got to check out my classes: they are in the evening, mostly, but I also offer individual classes.

Anyway, don't hesitate to check out my website

Or get in touch by email (lise@edilang.com) or by phone (0131 557 2734)

Merci! And see you soon! (and 'bon courage' for all the good resolutions for the year to come!!)

Lise

Monday, December 11, 2006

12-15 December 2006

Tuesday 12 December

21:00 : SPEAK FRENCH: @THE WORLD

Meet French speakers at The World - excellent and very recommended! I went there the other day, and there was quite a large crowd!
All ages welcome. - and best of all, it's all free!!
9-10pm: English spoken
10-11pm: French spoken
(though not necessarily that strict!)

@ The World, on Thistle Street

Wednesday 13 December

20:00 : SPEAK FRENCH : Speak, Drink & Be Merry Meetup
@ Venue to be confirmed, Edinburgh - For more info see http://french.meetup.com/1/
Email: meetup@edilang.com

Thursday 14 December

19:30 : Music: Scottish Chamber Orchestra: The Old Rivalry
"A comparison of dance music and symphonies from France and England featuring the composers Rebel, Charpentier, Haydn, Handel and Purcell by director and harpsichordist Richard Egarr." Web: www.sco.org.uk
Queen's Hall - 0131 668 2019 -- £8-£24 (£6-£18)

To look forward to....>

Coming soon: Film: PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER (15) - 26 December
Thriller based on the bestselling novel by Patrick Süskind.

5 Jan 2007: 7.30 : MUSIC :Royal Scottish National Orchestra: New Year in Vienna
"New Year Viennese-style with a liberal dash of Strauss and little splash of French operetta all conducted by Dominique Trottein." --- Web: www.rsno.org.uk -- Usher Hall - 0131 228 1155 --- £10-£30 (concessions available)

7 Jan 2007: 18:00: Book-Club Meetup
@ Private Venue, Edinburgh - For more info see http://french.meetup.com/1/
Email: meetup@edilang.com
"The first real meeting for the book club. Details of the books etc can be found here: http://french.meetup .com/1/boards/view/v iewthread?thread=238 7668"

14 Feb 2007: 2.15 - France in America
Alison McCleery explores the little-known French islands of St Pierre and Miquelon. @ Royal Museum Lecture Theatre, 0131 247 4219 - £6; free for students and RSGS members

Thursday, November 30, 2006

1-9 December 2006 (French in Edinburgh)

Friday 1 December
12:40 : FILM : Paris Nous Appartient (12A)
@Cameo Picturehouse, Edinburgh
38 Home Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LZ
Email: cameo@picturehouses.co.uk

Director: Jacques Rivette Origin: France Year: 1960 Duration: 141m
Starring: Jean-Claude Brialy, Gianni Esposito, Betty Schneider,
Françoise Prévost , Daniel Crohem

"Set within Parisian Left-Bank society at its most self-obsessed, with
a good dose of Cold-War paranoia, an intriguing game for which no one
tells you the rules unfolds. Anne, a provincial student, is invited to
an arty party where she is inexorably sucked into a mystery involving
an American political refugee, a self-destructive femme fatale and a
Spanish activist who recently committed suicide. The film is just as
much about a long-vanished Paris of fleabag hotels and corduroy-clad
intellectuals as about its narrative. Charles Bitsch's cinematography
is extraordinary, managing to be both luminous and ominous at the same
time. The film is suffused with an irony that prefigures Rivette's
later fascination with the gaps between character and performance,
narrative and reality."
Note: this film is subtitled
To book tickets, call 08707 55 12 31 or book online

15:30 : FILM: Du Rififi chez les hommes
@ The Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh - Tel.: 0131-228-2688 or website: www.filmhousecinema.com
"Jules Dassin | France 1955 | 1h58m | 35mm | French with English subtitles | 12
Cast: Jean Servais, Carl Möhner, Robert Manuel, Perlo Vita, Marie Sabouret.

A career criminal, just out of jail, gets his old crew together for one last job – a daring jewellery heist. The planning for this job is meticulous, down to experiments on a duplicate of the alarm system and the use of a stopwatch to time the movements of all local tradespeople. But all that is nothing compared to the care taken with the robbery itself. In a sequence that made Rififi's reputation and is still a model of tension and precision, Dassin spends a full 30 minutes on the actual robbery, a completely wordless half-hour (though it makes good use of sound effects) that racks the nerves and provides a masterclass in breaking and entering as well as filmmaking."

19:00 : SPEAK FRENCH : MEETUP CINECLUB
@Private venue - For more info see http://french.meetup.com/1/
Email: meetup@edilang.com

Another instance of this popular event, this time with a film chosen by members (looks as if Les Enfants du Paradis will make an appearance!). The principle is simple: you turn up with your tipple of choice (tea, coffee, wine, other...) and maybe some odds and ends to nibble on (olives, pop-corn...). We watch a film, and then we have a chat (not necessarily about the film!)

Great way to get to know people, practise your French (or your English) in a very social environment!

And it's all free!

Saturday 2 December
12:40: FILM
Paris Nous Appartient (12A): 12:40
@Cameo Picturehouse, Edinburgh

12:40 : FILM : Le Grand Voyage
@ The Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh - Tel.: 0131-228-2688 or website: www.filmhousecinema.com

Ismaël Ferroukhi | France/Morocco 2004 | 1h48m | 35mm | French, Arabic, English, Italian and Turkish with English subtitles | PG
Cast: Nicolas Cazalé, Mohamed Majd, Jacky Nercessian, Ghina Ognianova.

"A tribute to the 97% of Muslims we never hear about in the Western world," is how French writer/director Ismaël Ferroukhi describes his pleasingly understated road movie. Le Grand Voyage's premise involves a devout elderly patriarch (Mohamed Majd) forcing his reluctant teenage son Reda (Nicolas Cazalé) to drive them from their home in France to Saudia Arabia on a once-in-a-lifetime religious pilgrimage. No surprises that these mismatched protagonists learn from one another, yet this remains an engaging, well-acted and compassionate film.

Wisely the director doesn't provide us with detailed information about the duo's past experiences, giving Le Grand voyage the feel of a contemporary fable, whilst the air of mystery is further heightened by the elliptical editing style. And not only does the film successfully challenge cultural preconceptions of Islamic belief, but in the climactic scenes amidst the collective fervour of Mecca, it achieves an unexpected emotional intensity.

18:30 : FILM: Du Rififi chez les hommes
@ The Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh - Tel.: 0131-228-2688 or website: www.filmhousecinema.com

Sunday 3 December
12:40 : FILM : Paris Nous Appartient (12A)
@Cameo Picturehouse, Edinburgh

15:30 : FILM: Du Rififi chez les hommes
@ The Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh - Tel.: 0131-228-2688 or website: www.filmhousecinema.com

Monday 4 December
12:40 : FILM : Paris Nous Appartient (12A)
@Cameo Picturehouse, Edinburgh

Tuesday 5 December
12:40 : FILM : Paris Nous Appartient (12A)
@Cameo Picturehouse, Edinburgh

21:00 : SPEAK FRENCH: @THE WORLD

Meet French speakers at The World - excellent and very recommended! I went there the other day, and there was quite a large crowd!
All ages welcome. - and best of all, it's all free!!
9-10pm: English spoken
10-11pm: French spoken
(though not necessarily that strict!)

@ The World, on Thistle Street

Wednesday 6 December

12:40 : FILM : Paris Nous Appartient (12A)
@Cameo Picturehouse, Edinburgh

19:30: MUSIC: Rudsambee
@Priestfield Parish Church, Edinburgh (£5)

"Unaccompanied voices in harmony, with songs from Scotland to Croatia, France to Iceland."
More info: www.rudsambee.org.uk

Thursday 7 December

12:40 : FILM : Paris Nous Appartient (12A)
@Cameo Picturehouse, Edinburgh

18:00 : LECTURE : "Marguerite Duras, a myth, an opera"
@Institut Francais d'Ecosse (French Institute), Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh - Tel.: 0131 225 5366
More info: www.ifecosse.org.uk

"Marguerite Duras, a major figure of the 20th century French literary scene remains, a decade after her death, a controversial character. Her minimal novels and to her activities in theatre, film, and journalism have given her both a national and an international notoriety. This lecture will offer an opportunity to rediscover an outstanding personality. The following evening, the Filmhouse will screen “Hiroshima, mon amour”, a film by Alain Renais on a scenario and the dialogues of Marguerite Duras, of course!"
A presentation by Joelle Pages-Pindon, an academic and author of the book 'Marguerite Duras'.

Friday 8 December

17:45 : FILM : Hiroshima mon amour
@ The Filmhouse, Lothian Road, Edinburgh - Tel.: 0131-228-2688 or website: www.filmhousecinema.com

Alain Resnais | France/Japan 1959 | 1h26m | 35mm | French, Japanese and English with English subtitles | PG
Cast: Emmanuelle Riva, Eiji Okada, Stella Dassas, Pierre Barbaud, Bernard Fresson.

"While in Hiroshima making a 'peace film', a French actress (Riva) begins an affair with a Japanese architect (Okada). Her passion for her new lover forces her to confront painful memories of a youthful affair she had with a German soldier in Nevers, France during the occupation, that soldier's death, and her subsequent shaming as a Nazi collaborator. Past melds with present, her personal pain and trauma with Hiroshima's horror, and her Japanese lover with the German, as she struggles to make her shattered psyche whole.

Alain Resnais' first feature, with a script by Marguerite Duras, has a complex structure and innovative use of flashbacks and sound, and was one of the first and most influential films of the French New Wave movement.

Joelle Pages-Pindon, an academic and author of the book 'Marguerite Duras', will introduce the film with a twenty minute presentation. Her introduction will be in French with an English translation. "

20:00 : SPEAK FRENCH : French Friday Meetup
@ Venue to be confirmed, Edinburgh - For more info see http://french.meetup.com/1/
Email: meetup@edilang.com

Saturday 9 December

19:00 : MUSIC : Madeleine Peyroux (£18)
@The Queens Hall, Clerk Street, Edinburgh
Tickets: 0131 668 2019

"Often compared to the late great Billie Holiday, Peyroux’s smoke-and-whisky vocals perform classic songs by Holiday, Bessie Smith and Patsy Cline so convincingly that they become to sound like her own.

She is an exceptional artist who channels vintage jazz and blues with pinpoint accuracy.

‘But it's Peyroux's stunning alto that delivers the unique experience. "Honeyed tones" is such an overused cliche, but in Peyroux's case completely apt - after 90 minutes of relentlessly sensual unctuousness, you feel slightly like a pollen-drunk bee. But in a good way.’ - Edinburgh Evening News"
More info: www.madeleinepeyroux.com

19:45 : MUSIC: Rudsambee
@Rosslyn Chapel (£7-£5)

"Unaccompanied voices in harmony, with songs from Scotland to Croatia, France to Iceland."
More info: www.rudsambee.org.uk

To look forward to....>

Coming soon: Film: PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER (15) - 26 December
Thriller based on the bestselling novel by Patrick Süskind.

10 Dec: 13.45: MUSIC : Rudsambee (Free) @ Museum of Scotland
10 Dec: 18:00 : MUSIC : Rudsambee (Free) @ St Giles' Cathedral
"Unaccompanied voices in harmony, with songs from Scotland to Croatia, France to Iceland."
Web: www.rudsambee.org.uk

13 Dec 13: 20:00 : SPEAK FRENCH : Speak, Drink & Be Merry Meetup
@ Venue to be confirmed, Edinburgh - For more info see http://french.meetup.com/1/
Email: meetup@edilang.com

14 Dec: 7.30 : Music: Scottish Chamber Orchestra: The Old Rivalry
"A comparison of dance music and symphonies from France and England featuring the composers Rebel, Charpentier, Haydn, Handel and Purcell by director and harpsichordist Richard Egarr." Web: www.sco.org.uk
Queen's Hall - 0131 668 2019 -- £8-£24 (£6-£18)

5 Jan 2007: 7.30 : MUSIC :Royal Scottish National Orchestra: New Year in Vienna
"New Year Viennese-style with a liberal dash of Strauss and little splash of French operetta all conducted by Dominique Trottein." --- Web: www.rsno.org.uk -- Usher Hall - 0131 228 1155 --- £10-£30 (concessions available)

7 Jan 2007: 18:00: Book-Club Meetup
@ Private Venue, Edinburgh - For more info see http://french.meetup.com/1/
Email: meetup@edilang.com
"The first real meeting for the book club. Details of the books etc can be found here: http://french.meetup .com/1/boards/view/v iewthread?thread=238 7668"

14 Feb 2007: 2.15 - France in America
Alison McCleery explores the little-known French islands of St Pierre and Miquelon. @ Royal Museum Lecture Theatre, 0131 247 4219 - £6; free for students and RSGS members

Monday, November 20, 2006

Heaven this week!!

A French market, a radio star, some French conversation and the cineclub... What else do you want?

Tuesday 22 November... French conversation (9-11pm) (free)

Meet French speakers at The World - excellent and very recommended! I went there last week, and there was quite a large crowd!
All ages welcome.
9-10pm: English spoken
10-11pm: French spoken
(though not necessarily that strict!)

@ The World, on Thistle Street

Tuesday 22 November... The Watson Gordon Lecture: Caroline Elam (6pm) (free)
Roger Fry was Britain’s leading art critic in the first half of the 20th century. Caroline Elam will explore his journey from scholarship in Italian quattrocento art, to Post-Impressionism and modern French painting.
@ National Gallery of Scotland: Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, 0131 624 6200 - Free

Tuesday 22 November...JAZZ: Gilad Atzmon Quartet (8.30pm) (£10)

"Music with a message, as impressive Israeli sax virtuoso Atzmon welds east-European folk with hard bop, funk and French accordian tunes to tell the story of Palestine."

@ Jazz Centre, 0131 467 5200

Thursday 23 November - Philippe Meyer Event (6.30pm) (FREE)
"Writer, journalist, satirist, actor, director, animator, researcher and teacher of social sciences, all barely adequate to describe Philippe Meyer, as he has many strings to his bow. Among his investigations, he has studied the mysteries of the city of Paris through, on the one hand, a show called “Paris la Grande” based on texts and songs illustrating life in the capital and, on the other hand, a book under the same title. Not to be missed by those in love, the curious and the sceptical of the “ville lumière” and a must for the fans of Philippe Meyer!"
@ the Institut Français d’Ecosse - Admission Free - Tel.: 0131 225 5366 - contact@ifecosse.org.uk

Thursday 23 - Saturday 25 November.... FRENCH MARKET

Allez faire vos reserves de saucissons et de rillettes a ce marche francais!
@Frederick Street..


Friday 24 November... MEETUP - cineclub (free)

Go on you know you want to join the Edinburgh French meetup...
It is free, it is fun and you can watch films whilst drinking your tipple of choice...
Superbe! :)
Just click here for more info!
Saturday 25 November... TALK: George Buchanan: Scotland's voice in France (2pm) (free)
"Five hundred years after Buchanan's birth, Dr Jamie Reid-Baxter explores the poet, dramatist, philosopher and classical tutor to Mary, Queen of Scots' impact on France, his 'second homeland'."
@ Royal Museum Lecture Theatre,
0131 247 4219

To look forward to....

Fri 1 to Sun 3 Dec - Du Rififi chez les hommes @ The Filmhouse

Thursday 7 December at 6pm- Lecture by Joëlle Pagès-Pindon: "Marguerite Duras, a myth, an opera" (also Friday 8 December at 5.45pm - Filmhouse: presentation and screening of “Hiroshima, mon amour”)
"Marguerite Duras, a major figure of the 20th century French literary scene remains, a decade after her death, a controversial character. Her minimal novels and to her activities in theatre, film, and journalism have given her both a national and an international notoriety. This lecture will offer an opportunity to rediscover an outstanding personality. The following evening, the Filmhouse will screen “Hiroshima, mon amour”, a film by Alain Renais on a scenario and the dialogues of Marguerite Duras, of course!"
14 Feb 2007: 2.15 - France in America
Alison McCleery explores the little-known French islands of St Pierre and Miquelon. @ Royal Museum Lecture Theatre, 0131 247 4219 - £6; free for students and RSGS members

Sunday, November 12, 2006

So much to do, so little time! [2]

Monday 13 November... FILM: The Page Turner

On from Monday 13 November 2006 through to Thursday 16 November 2006 (3:50 PM, 6:35 PM)
"Dercourt has crafted an expert behavioural thriller with an attention to detail that highlights both the strict social mores of the wealthy and their emotional aridity. A young girl, Mélanie Prouvost (François), nervously undergoes her piano audition, the outcome of which will determine her future. The examiner, famed recitalist Ariane Fouchécourt (Frot), allows a fan into the audition room in the middle of Mélanie’s performance, signing an autograph. Mélanie’s concentration falters and she stops playing altogether, causing her to fail. Many years later Mélanie gains employment with Ariane’s husband and works her way back into Ariane’s life. Vanity, deception, selfishness and false liberal charity play their part in this beautifully observed film that somehow works on the barest elements of both plot and character development."

@ The Cameo

Tuesday 14 November... FILM: Bob le flambeur

Bob le flambeur / Bob the Gambler: Melville’s famous film is showcased at the Filmhouse!
"The cable car leads us down from the 'heaven' of the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre to the 'hell' of Pigalle, and as the neon is extinguished for another dawn, a weary Bob the Gambler treads his way home from the tables. Melville's 'love letter to Paris' is shot, like all good city films, between the hours of dusk and dawn, and is a loving recreation of all that is wonderful about the dark American city thrillers of the '30s and '40s. What doubles the pleasure, however, is that in spite of the heist, the double-crosses and the sudden death, it is still remarkably light in tone: an underworld comedy of manners. The courtly Monsieur Bob may wear a trenchcoat and fedora, but he rescues young ladies adrift in the milieu, remains loyal to his friend l'inspecteur, and gives the impression of wanting to rob the casino, not to assuage his gambling fever, but simply so that he can perform a robbery in a dinner jacket. A wonderful movie with all the formal beauty, finesse and treacherous allure of green baize."
@The Filmhouse, various times

Tuesday 14 November... French conversation (9-11pm) (free)

Meet French speakers at The World - excellent and very recommended! I went there last week, and there was quite a large crowd!
All ages welcome.
9-10pm: English spoken
10-11pm: French spoken
(though not necessarily that strict!)

@ The World, on Thistle Street

Wednesday 15 November... Meeting other French speakers (free)

MEETUP -- Edinburgh French speakers meet in a pub. Very friendly atmosphere: people are always interested in meeting new folks!
Whether you are new in town, or you want to meet new people with an interest in French language and culture, this is the event for you!
More info.... here!

Wednesday 15 November: 7.15pm : Talk
M Denis Charles Courdent, Directeur, Alliance Française de Glasgow, Droite et gauche, de la biologie à l’histoire des idées (French)
A meeting organised by the Franco-Scottish Society: more info
All meetings are held at 7.15 p.m. in the French Institute,
13 Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 7TT.

Friday 17 - Sunday 19 November.... FILM: Le Cercle rouge

Le Cercle rouge / The Red Circle
Another Melville’s work, with Delon, Montand, Bourvil...
"Melville's special achievement was to relocate the American gangster film to France, and to incorporate his own steely poetic and philosophical obsessions. He described this, his penultimate film, as a digest of the nineteen definitive underworld set-ups that could be found in John Huston's picture of doomed gangsters, The Asphalt Jungle. Darker, more abstract and desolate than his earlier work, this shows, set piece by set piece, the breakdown of the criminal codes under which Melville's characters had previously operated. Masterful."
@ The Filmhouse, various times

Saturday 18 November... LITERATURE: Book Club (free)

First meeting of this new French book-club. You need to be a member of Meetup to come along (but it's all free!). More info on the French Edinburgh meetup website, here. You need to have a good level of French, or be a native speaker, as it will involve reading one French book a month.
@ Brandon Terrace

To look forward to....

Thursday 23 November at 6.30pm- Philippe Meyer Event

@ the Institut Français d’Ecosse - Admission Free - Tel.: 0131 225 5366 - contact@ifecosse.org.uk
"Writer, journalist, satirist, actor, director, animator, researcher and teacher of social sciences, all barely adequate to describe Philippe Meyer, as he has many strings to his bow. Among his investigations, he has studied the mysteries of the city of Paris through, on the one hand, a show called “Paris la Grande” based on texts and songs illustrating life in the capital and, on the other hand, a book under the same title. Not to be missed by those in love, the curious and the sceptical of the “ville lumière” and a must for the fans of Philippe Meyer!"
22 Nov: 6.00 - The Watson Gordon Lecture: Caroline Elam
Roger Fry was Britain’s leading art critic in the first half of the 20th century. Caroline Elam will explore his journey from scholarship in Italian quattrocento art, to Post-Impressionism and modern French painting. @ National Gallery of Scotland: Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, 0131 624 6200 - Free

22 Nov: 8.30: JAZZ: Gilad Atzmon Quartet
"Music with a message, as impressive Israeli sax virtuoso Atzmon welds east-European folk with hard bop, funk and French accordian tunes to tell the story of Palestine."@ Jazz Centre
0131 467 5200
£10

23-25 November: French Market

25 Nov: 2.00: TALK: George Buchanan: Scotland's Voice in France
"Five hundred years after Buchanan's birth, Dr Jamie Reid-Baxter explores the poet, dramatist, philosopher and classical tutor to Mary, Queen of Scots' impact on France, his 'second homeland'." @ Royal Museum Lecture Theatre
0131 247 4219

Fri 1 to Sun 3 Dec - Du Rififi chez les hommes @ The Filmhouse
Thursday 7 December at 6pm- Lecture by Joëlle Pagès-Pindon: "Marguerite Duras, a myth, an opera" (also Friday 8 December at 5.45pm - Filmhouse: presentation and screening of “Hiroshima, mon amour”)
"Marguerite Duras, a major figure of the 20th century French literary scene remains, a decade after her death, a controversial character. Her minimal novels and to her activities in theatre, film, and journalism have given her both a national and an international notoriety. This lecture will offer an opportunity to rediscover an outstanding personality. The following evening, the Filmhouse will screen “Hiroshima, mon amour”, a film by Alain Renais on a scenario and the dialogues of Marguerite Duras, of course!"
14 Feb 2007: 2.15 - France in America
Alison McCleery explores the little-known French islands of St Pierre and Miquelon. @ Royal Museum Lecture Theatre, 0131 247 4219 - £6; free for students and RSGS members

Monday, November 06, 2006

What I have done in the past few days....


About the Edinburgh French Meetup

It serves to bring together francophiles, including francophones, to share their mutual interest in French and French culture. People get together and speak French very informally and are interested in meeting other francophiles.

If you are wondering about coming along - just go for it!
We are a very friendly bunch, and always enjoy meeting new people!

N'hesitez pas!

Double Trouble...
Check out the latest changes!
For more info, don't hesitate to contact me... (Lise), either by email: lise@edilang.com, or by phone on 0131 557 27 34 (gets diverted onto my mobile, so useful even when I am out and about!!).

Current activities scheduled

Other useful links
Selection of useful links - other places on the web to meet French people in Edinburgh, and where to learn French! - and soon a section about where to learn English....

Look forward to seeing you soon, here or there!

Lise

NB: The club is currently sponsored by Premiere Classe, my trading name. I organise French language courses throughout the year.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Page turning amongst other things....

Booh, quite a poor week, so far: have been struggling to find events even remotely linked to France and French (have - vaguely succeeded with a film by Tourneur, starring Robert Mitchum, all in Anglais, I’m afraid, so ended up not including it. It’s at the filmhouse though, on the 9th, I think, for those who might be tempted!


Cheers


Lxox


Ce week-end... (until 09/11)... FILM


The Page Turner (La Tourneuse de Pages) 



"A thriller set in the rarefied world of classical music. After Melanie’s (François) childhood audition is thwarted by famous pianist Ariane (Frot), she seeks payback in this cleverly understated revenge drama from French writer-director Dercourt. When the violence comes, it’s all the more memorable for the lack of bloodshed."


@ The Cameo


Tuesday 6 November... French conversation


Meet French speakers at The World - excellent and very recommended!


@ The World, on Thistle Street


Friday 10 November... MEETUP


Film- Les Bronzes 3: plus d’infos ici


Friday 10 November.... 7.30pm... MUSIQUE


Gatechien, Le Singe Blanc and Jacob Flynch



Double-bill of math-rock/post-punk from France, with energetic bass/drums duo Gatechien, and twin-bass attack from Le Singe Blanc.


@ Henry’s Cellar Bar
0131 228 9393
£5 (£4)


Friday 10 November.... 7.30pm... MUSIQUE


Royal Scottish National Orchestra: A French Collection



Stéphane Denève directs Dame Felicity Lott in a series of sensual French works: Dukas’ ’La Péri’, etc...


@ Usher Hall, 0131 228 1155 - £10-£28 (concessions available)



To look forward to....



Tue 14 Nov only >>> Bob le flambeur / Bob the Gambler
Melville’s famous film is showcased at the Filmhouse!
Fri 17 to Sun 19 Nov >>> Le Cercle rouge / The Red Circle
Another Melville’s work, with Delon, Montand, Bourvil... @ The Filmhouse
Thursday 23 November at 6.30pm >>> Philippe Meyer Event
@ the Institut Français d’Ecosse - Admission Free - Tel.: 0131 225 5366 - contact@ifecosse.org.uk
Writer, journalist, satirist, actor, director, animator, researcher and teacher of social sciences, all barely adequate to describe Philippe Meyer, as he has many strings to his bow. Among his investigations, he has studied the mysteries of the city of Paris through, on the one hand, a show called “Paris la Grande” based on texts and songs illustrating life in the capital and, on the other hand, a book under the same title. Not to be missed by those in love, the curious and the sceptical of the “ville lumière” and a must for the fans of Philippe Meyer!
22 Nov: 6.00 >>> The Watson Gordon Lecture: Caroline Elam
Roger Fry was Britain’s leading art critic in the first half of the 20th century. Caroline Elam will explore his journey from scholarship in Italian quattrocento art, to Post-Impressionism and modern French painting. @ National Gallery of Scotland: Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, 0131 624 6200 - Free
Fri 1 to Sun 3 Dec >>> Du Rififi chez les hommes @ The Filmhouse
Thursday 7 December at 6pm >>> Lecture by Joëlle Pagès-Pindon: "Marguerite Duras, a myth, an opera" (also Friday 8 December at 5.45pm - Filmhouse: presentation and screening of “Hiroshima, mon amour”)
Marguerite Duras, a major figure of the 20th century French literary scene remains, a decade after her death, a controversial character. Her minimal novels and to her activities in theatre, film, and journalism have given her both a national and an international notoriety. This lecture will offer an opportunity to rediscover an outstanding personality. The following evening, the Filmhouse will screen “Hiroshima, mon amour”, a film by Alain Renais on a scenario and the dialogues of Marguerite Duras, of course!
14 Feb 2007: 2.15 >>> France in America
Alison McCleery explores the little-known French islands of St Pierre and Miquelon. @ Royal Museum Lecture Theatre, 0131 247 4219 - £6; free for students and RSGS members

French Meet-Up in Edinburgh!

I have taken over as organiser of the French Meet-Ups in Edinburgh: to find out more about that, click on the image below!

Otherwise, you may be interested in some of the activites that are in store: check out the discussion on the meetup board!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

This week: so much to do, so little time...

This week, francophonie is being showcased in a big way with a series of fabulous African films showcased at The Filmhouse! (some are partly in French, others are in various Agrican languages: wolof, arabe, etc.)


Make sure that you also check out the Disco Bidochons free event next Monday - good times are sure back with this fab club!


Lise xox


Tuesday 24 October ::: 9-11pm
MEET PEOPLE ::: French/English @The World on Thistle Street
- come and practise your French or your English with friendly native speakers....
Where? The World on Thistle Street
How much? FREE!


Wednesday 25 October ::: 6.00
FILM ::: Marie Antoinette



(12A) Coppola Jr follows her much lauded ’Lost in Translation’ with a punky biography of the misunderstood Queen of France, adapted from Antonia Fraser’s book on the subject. A daring and bold attempt to rework formulaic staid costume dramas or a feature-length pop promo that reaches new depths of shallowness? You decide.


US (2006)
Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Rip Torn
Sofia Coppola
Duration: 122 mins.


Web: www.sonypictures.com/movies/marieantoinette/
 
Where? Well, it’s a bit like the Scarlet Pimpernel: here, there, and everywhere...
When ? Same as above, for a time at least.....
How much? That would depend on where and when... Check out The List for details.....


Wednesday 25 October ::: 6.00
FILM ::: Touki Bouki



(15) With a title that translates as ’The Hyena’s Journey2, this Senegalese offering follows two children on an odyssey towards the promised land of Western riches in France. Director Mambety has explained that it’s ’about Africans sick with the idea of Europe, Africans who consider that Europe is the door of Africa and that it’s necessary to have been there in order to be able to come back and be highly thought of’.
Senegal (1973)
Magaye Niang, Mareme Niang, Aminata Fall, Ousseynou Diop
Djibril Diop-Mambety
Duration: 85 mins.


Where? The Filmhouse
When ? Wednesday 25 October ::: 6.00pm
How much? erm, Filmhouse prices I guess.....
   
Thursday 26 October ::: on opening times of the French Institute
EXHIBITION ::: Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
Have a look at an interesting exhibition, currently on at the French Institute:



The Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop invites us to view a selection of works from
the European Biennal of Contemporary Art, which took place in Nîmes, on 1-14
July 2006, under the title “Taboo or not taboo”. After a European tour, the IFE
exhibition will give the public the opportunity to discover the work of artists
from France, Scotland, Lithuania and Poland in the fields of sculpture,
photography and contemporary video.


Where? The French Institute, Randolph Crescent
When ? Wednesday 25 October ::: 6.00pm
How much? Hey, it’s free!.


Friday 27 October ::: 3.30pm & 6.00pm
FILM ::: Waiting For Happiness / Heremakono



Abderrahmane Sissako | Mauritania/France 2002 | 1h35m | 35mm | French and Hassianya with English subtitles | PG
Cast: Khatra Ould Abdel Kader, Maata Ould Mohamed Abeid, Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Mohamed, Nana Kiakite, Fatimetou Mint Ahmeda.


A sleep-walking, introverted youth, an elderly electrician who can’t make lights come on, and a child worker who likes to sing are some of the inhabitants of Nouadhibou, a costal town on the edge of the Mauritian desert.



Abdullah arrives to visit his mother before leaving for Europe. He hardly knows the local language, can’t communicate with the place and the people he came from, and doesn’t want to try. Yet he becomes increasingly involved in the lives of the inhabitants of this strange and unfamiliar world. Sissako’s film is so visually beautiful it almost hurts your eyes; so poignant you can feel it pull at your heart. A vivid examination of the conflict between progress and tradition, Waiting For Happiness is more about those who leave than those who stay. They leave by train, by boat, on foot and by death.


This screening is sponsored by the Departments of Film & Media, English and Languages, at the University of Stirling.


Where? The Filmhouse
When ? Friday 27 Oct ::: 3.30pm & 6.00pm
How much? erm, Filmhouse prices I guess.....


Saturday 28 Oct :: 1.15pm
FILM :: Abouna / Our Father



Mahamat-Saleh Haroun | Chad/France/Netherlands 2002 | 1h24m | 35mm | French and Arabic with English subtitles | PG
Cast: Liamza Moctar Agud, Ahidjo Mahamat Moussa, Hamza Moctar Aguid.


Stunning, both visually and emotionally, Abouna is a story about family. Two young brothers look for their missing father only to find him where they least expect to. Their hunt takes them on a journey of love, loyalty and loss.


Taking place in director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun’s native country Chad, the landscape and the characters in Abouna form a breathtaking combination of picturesque aesthetics and unmitigated sincerity.


Where? The Filmhouse
When ? Saturday 28 Oct :: 1.15pm
How much? erm, Filmhouse prices I guess.....


Monday 30 October :: 1.15pm
MUSIC ::: Edinburgh Quartet - Edinburgh concerts 2006-2007
Thomas Erskine, Earl of Kelly String Quartet in A
Haydn String Quartet in G, Opus 54 No 1
Fauré Elegie Op 24
Fauré Piano Quartet in c minor Op15
(with Jill Morton, piano)


Where? All concerts will be held in Stockbridge Parish Church, Saxe-Coburg Street,
Edinburgh
When ? Monday 30 October :: 7.30pm
How much? Ticket prices: £10, £7 conc, £2 students and schoolchildren (including a free glass of wine or soft drink). To book: The Queen’s Hall Box Office, tel: 0131 668 2019.....


Monday 30 October :: from 10pm
CLUB :::
DISCO BIDOCHONS



"La Disco Bidochons est de retour le lundi 30 Ocotobre. Pour les novices, c’est une soirée francophone en boite, environ tous les 2 mois. Ca se passe au Red Vodka Club, 73 the Cowgate, de 22h à 3h, entrée gratuite, boissons pas chères, et on a meme du ricard et de la chartreuse. Pour plus d’infos ou pour toutes suggestions, contactez moi thierry.dullieux@netcourrier.com"


Where? Red Vodka Club, 73 the Cowgate
When ? Monday 30 October :: 10pm-3am
How much? Free, and also, cheap drinks!...


Things to look forward to.... Yeepee!!!


10 Nov: 7.30 >>> Royal Scottish National Orchestra: A French Collection
Stéphane Denève directs Dame Felicity Lott in a series of sensual French works: Dukas’ ’La Péri’, etc... @ Usher Hall, 0131 228 1155 - £10-£28 (concessions available) 
Tue 14 Nov only >>> Bob le flambeur / Bob the Gambler
Melville’s famous film is showcased at the Filmhouse!
Fri 17 to Sun 19 Nov >>> Le Cercle rouge / The Red Circle
Another Melville’s work, with Delon, Montand, Bourvil... @ The Filmhouse
Thursday 23 November at 6.30pm >>> Philippe Meyer Event
@ the Institut Français d’Ecosse - Admission Free - Tel.: 0131 225 5366 - contact@ifecosse.org.uk
Writer, journalist, satirist, actor, director, animator, researcher and teacher of social sciences, all barely adequate to describe Philippe Meyer, as he has many strings to his bow. Among his investigations, he has studied the mysteries of the city of Paris through, on the one hand, a show called “Paris la Grande” based on texts and songs illustrating life in the capital and, on the other hand, a book under the same title. Not to be missed by those in love, the curious and the sceptical of the “ville lumière” and a must for the fans of Philippe Meyer!
22 Nov: 6.00 >>> The Watson Gordon Lecture: Caroline Elam
Roger Fry was Britain’s leading art critic in the first half of the 20th century. Caroline Elam will explore his journey from scholarship in Italian quattrocento art, to Post-Impressionism and modern French painting. @ National Gallery of Scotland: Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, 0131 624 6200 - Free
Fri 1 to Sun 3 Dec >>> Du Rififi chez les hommes @ The Filmhouse
Thursday 7 December at 6pm >>> Lecture by Joëlle Pagès-Pindon: "Marguerite Duras, a myth, an opera" (also Friday 8 December at 5.45pm - Filmhouse: presentation and screening of “Hiroshima, mon amour”)
Marguerite Duras, a major figure of the 20th century French literary scene remains, a decade after her death, a controversial character. Her minimal novels and to her activities in theatre, film, and journalism have given her both a national and an international notoriety. This lecture will offer an opportunity to rediscover an outstanding personality. The following evening, the Filmhouse will screen “Hiroshima, mon amour”, a film by Alain Renais on a scenario and the dialogues of Marguerite Duras, of course!
14 Feb 2007: 2.15 >>> France in America
Alison McCleery explores the little-known French islands of St Pierre and Miquelon. @ Royal Museum Lecture Theatre, 0131 247 4219 - £6; free for students and RSGS members 

Marché Français

Information fournie par le site d’Edimbourg Accueil: Marché Français - Edimbourg accueil



Frederick street - le 1er Novembre 2006


C’est le moment d’acheter du fromage et du saucisson !!! Marché français sur Castle street du jeudi 23 novembre au dimanche 26 novembre [10h à 20h] Vente de produits français, fromage, chocolats, vêtements, accesssoires...


A suivre.....

Monday, October 23, 2006

31 October - Samhuinn festival

OK OK it's not French, but... it looks like good fun!
More info on the Festival and Beltane's activities

"Come all and witness the ancient Celtic Samhuinn festival! It was the
Celtic New Year, the Day of the Dead, and marked the beginning of
winter. It was the time of year when the veil between this world and
the next, between mortality and infinity, was at its thinnest and
spirits were said to roam the lands...

Come and celebrate, feast and carouse in our procession of fire,
drumming, music and performance art! See the fight between waning
Summer and the growing darkness of Winter!

The Samhuinn procession begins from the Castle at 9 pm and ends up on
the Mound (beside the National Galleries) for performances on the
stage. It is presented by the Beltane Fire Society, a not for profit
organisation run by volunteers, the event is free but to keep it free
they rely on donations from the public on the night, so if you see
someone shaking a bucket near you, give them some change please."

There are also after-parties but I am not sure where, as have got conflicting info: either The Bongo Club or Cabaret Voltaire. Or maybe both. Who knows? (add in comments if you do! ta!)

All proceeds go the Beltane Fire Society

Création d’un Chœur Mixte – French Choir

All levels accepted – beginners welcome.
Concert de Noël le 6 décembre 2006. / Christmas concert: 6 December 2006
Répétitions tous les mardis au théâtre de l’Institut Français. Rehearsals – every Tuesdays in the Theatre of the French Institute

Renseignements et inscriptions: 225 5366 or courses@ifecosse.org.uk

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Edimbourg Accueil - Plus d'infos

Je vous parlais d'Edimbourg Accueil la semaine derniere car cette nouvelle association organisait un cocktail d'accueil le 2 octobre.


De quoi s’agit-il en effet? J’ai reussi a contacter la Presidente de l’Association, qui m’a explique de quoi il s’agissait:


C'est un groupe qui s'adresse aux francophones (pas seulement aux Francais) mais qui est seulement ouvert aux personnes/familles bilingues.


Ils organisent:



  • 'coffee mornings',

  • activites diverses et variees (sorties ballet, ateliers cuisine....)

  • cocktails

  • barbecues

Aspects positifs:


C’est une initiative interessante pour les nouveaux arrivants. Geree et organisee uniquement par des volontaires deja installes sur Edimbourg depuis au moins un an, cette assoce est liee officieusement au Consulat Francais.


Ils semblent dynamiques, et prets a organiser toutes sortes de choses.


Negatif:


Personnellement cela me semble un peu exclusif, dans la mesure ou l’assoce n’a pas vocation d’integrer des apprenants de francais ecossais (alors que cela pourrait etre utile pour une integration efficace des francophones au sein de la societe ecossaise).


Ca a aussi un petit cote ’morningside’ qui ne plaira sans doute pas a tout le monde...


En bref: c'est une association a suivre. Je posterai des que je l'aurai recue la brochure qu'ils ont confectionnee.


(j’ai pas le temps de traduire ca en anglais aujourd’hui... Desolee... et puis desolee aussi pour l’absence d’accents: j’utilise un nouveau protocole de publication et j’ai pas encore trouve ou etaient les accents...)


Lise x


edilang


frenchedinburgh2


Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Talented Students....

My students are incredibly talented! And here is just another example of a lovely young actress who is taking part in a production of 'Kiss me Kate'.

Yes, I know it's not French, but... just you wait!!!

Go on, you know you want to run and watch this fantastic play !!!
It's on until Saturday!!!



Monday, October 02, 2006

Tomorrow the World will be my oyster

... well, not literally as am sadly allergic to real life oysters!
:-)

Anyway, will go to the World pub on Tuesday 3 October, so please do come along if you want to meet me, and speak French in a relaxed environment.

It's all free and has been in existence for the past 13-14 years (the group was started by students from the French Institute who felt they wanted to get a bit more out of their weekly lesson).

One cannot help but admire the (free!) initiative, and the fact it's been going for so long (mainly thanks to one of the organisers, John, who is present almost every week!)

Anyway, the meeting starts at 9pm, and normally lasts until 11pm... I will try and be there myself for 9.30pm or 9.45pm as am teaching before.

Do drop me a line if you want!

THE WORLD:::: Thistle Street (between Hanover and Frederick Street)

Lise

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Free: Aperitif, French conversation, Concert...

Monday 2 October: Apéritif
A new association aimed at integrating French people in Edinburgh has been created in August. It is linked to FIAFE, and they are organising an Aperitif, in the French Institute. More info here!
Where? French Institute
How much? FREE!

Tuesday 3 October, 9-11pm
French/English @The World on Thistle Street - come and practise your French or your English with friendly native speakers....
Where? The World on Thistle Street
How much? FREE!

Wednesday 4 October: 7.30pm
The Gipsy Kings: "The legendary French band return to keep the flamenco tradition flying."
Where? Edinburgh Playhouse
How much? £36.50

Thursday 5 October: 6.30pm
MARIONAS (concert)
Gordon Ferries is musical director of the Baroque ensemble Symphonie des
Plaisirs and he teaches lute and guitar. This concert is an opportunity to
discover period instruments used in baroque compositions, as well as
French and Spanish, with dancing accents borrowed from mediterranean
music.
Where? French Institute
How much? Entry free

EXHIBITIONS::::::

Toulouse-Lautrec and the Art Nouveau Poster
"A display of French poster prints, spanning from the Romantic period to the start of the Art Nouveau movement, including 15 works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec."
When? Until 22 October
Where? City Art Centre
How much? £5 (£3.50-£14 family)

To look forward to in October and December:

Wednesday, October 18 at 8:30 PM

Au Bar in Edinburgh (map)

20 Oct: 12.45
Travel and Study: George Reid in Holland and France
"Dr John Morrison examines George Reid's travels to Utrecht, The Hague and Paris between 1866 and 1871."
Weston Link
Free

24 Oct: 7.00
Phoenix: "Groovy French popsters who marry the best of 70s pop with a club sensibility."
The Arches (Glasgow)
£12

24 Oct: 12.45
Painting Idleness: Boudin in Normandy and the South of France
"A talk on Boudin's paintings of tourists on the Normandy Coast by Frances Fowle."
Weston Link
Free

30 October
Disco Bidochons
"La Disco Bidochons est de retour le lundi 30 Ocotobre. Pour les novices, c'est une soirée francophone en boite, environ tous les 2 mois. Ca se passe au Red Vodka Club, 73 the Cowgate, de 22h à 3h, entrée gratuite, boissons pas chères, et on a meme du ricard et de la chartreuse. Pour plus d'infos ou pour toutes suggestions, contactez moi thierry.dullieux@netcourrier.com
"

14 Dec: 7.30
Scottish Chamber Orchestra: The Old Rivalry
"A comparison of dance music and symphonies from France and England featuring the composers Rebel, Charpentier, Haydn, Handel and Purcell by director and harpsichordist Richard Egarr."
More info: www.sco.org.uk
Queen's Hall
£8-£24 (£6-£18)

Lise

Friday, September 29, 2006

Association Edimbourg Accueil

A new association aimed at integrating French people in Edinburgh has been created in August. It is linked to FIAFE.

They are organising an Aperitif on Monday the 2nd of October, in the French Institute.

More info here!

================

Une nouvelle association qui a pour but d'intégrer les Français nouvellement arrivés à Edimbourg vient d'ouvrir ses portes.

Ils organisent un apéritif le lundi 2 octobre, à l'Institut Français d'Ecosse.

Pls d'infos ici.

Les petits nouveaux...

As every year, here are a few blogs from French students recently arrived in Scotland, and more particularly in Edinburgh... Mostly written in French!

Lxox

Why learn another language?

I have met quite a lot of new students in the past few weeks, and inevitably the question of why they want to learn French crops up at our first meeting as [a] I am curious, and [b] well, there is no real [b] - I am just curious!

Most of the time, people get quite embarrassed, and mutter quickly that

in Britain, we are very lazy and we expect everyone to speak English when we go somewhere on holidays or for business...
I often have to disagree with this statement: I have been teaching French since 1991 in Scotland, and have seen a lot of very motivated individuals, who undertake the study of French either for a short holiday or because they love France or for business related reasons... There was never the sense, for me, that British people were particularly lazy, or that they were uninterested. All I have seen in the past, and even today, is a bunch of sensitive people, who want to improve on themselves.

Do I think that languages should be promoted better at school? Of course, I do. I am annoyed that languages are often not compulsory at school: a lot of my older pupils do find it very draining to try and cope with the basics of the language when they have not acquired them at school. I am angry as well at the lack of grammar these days in the curriculum: grammar may seem evil and overrated, but I can assure you that it really helps if you want to speak in another language in a way that is not full of clichés, like a little parrot.

Anyway, here are some of the comments made by my students on their registration forms:

  • I'd like to be able to get by in France on my own
  • Switzerland!
  • I enjoy travelling and would hopefully like to move to France in a few years
  • I have a property in Nice
  • Plan to live in Paris for 2 months next year
  • To be able to communicate in another language in the hope that I can one day move abroad
  • To be able to speak French in France
  • Why not?
  • To have fun
  • To keep the brain occupied with something else than computers
  • I love the language
  • Rugby world cup!
  • My interest and to assist with my work
  • For pleasure!
  • To try and maintain my level of French and also improve on it
  • I travel a lot and would like to live in a Francophone country.
  • Enjoyment: keep up skills and knowledge
  • Because one day I will be fluent
  • My girlfriend is French and I want to communicate with her family.
  • If I don't keep practising I'll forget it all

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why people want to take up French, or brush up on their existing skills! Some people do it just for the hell of it - a bit like like climbing the Everest - because it's there - while others have a specific objective in mind: property, retirement, love, sporting events...

Learning another language is difficult and can be disenheartening at the best of times (hey, look at me - I have been struggling with English for the best part of 16 years... Although fairly fluent, I still find things I don't know, and I still mispronounce words for everyone's enjoyment!!)

I have just started last February to take up Russian though, and I have to say this has been a truly humbling experience, as the language is quite remote from the other languages I have been known to speak with more or less fluency. You do go through ups and downs: when you finally think you are beginning to 'get it', something else crops up, and you're back to square 1... The other thing that has really bugged me is, you practise things in class, bits of 'conversation' etc... and you arrive in the country: you are lost! Can't seem to do anything right! But in the end if you keep at it, you reap some rewards: you manage to buy your own train tickets, you have a kind of conversation with other people, you get a glimpse of the country from the inside, you compliment someone on the meal they have prepared in a language they understand (well, or kind of understand, given my half-baked Russian)... Just those little things make it all worthwhile...

More on why you should learn another language here, and more on the debate of how to improve Britain's language skills.

Lxox

Thursday, September 28, 2006

On a personal note: Time for a new haircut?

Being in a state of perpetual reinvention, at the image of this blog (is it personal? is it a business? is it an open gate for a French person lost in Scotland's frustrations?), of course, it could only end like that: I contacted my auld friend from uni the Irish poet (yes, I did google him. For hours. He was not easy to find!) and it reminded me of:

O saisons O châteaux, quelle âme est sans défaut ...
I refer you to this, here, for the full picture [in English] about Rimbaud...

Anyway - I was thinking about my jeunesse folle, and of course, as one does in such occasion, I thought,
hey, I am going to have a haircut!
I actually went as far as mentioning it to Hubby: he turned green , because of course, it is a 'damned if you do, and damned if you don't' kind of situation for him...

I saw actual despair in his eyes, as he asked me to have my hair not cut, but styled - of course, the last time I had my hair cut, he had to console me for 3 months that, yes, my hair would grow back, and no, it didn't make my butt look big.

See, now, that is true love. Or maybe plain exasperation and disbelief.

[In any case, yes, I agree this does not really have much to do with French events in Edinburgh... But sometimes we are allowed brief moments of levity, arent' we?]

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Wine Tasting sessions on the cards

Some of my French groups are going to have the opportunity to sample some wines from LA PROVENANCE, a new wine venture: lucky them!!

Valerie Blanc will come in and presents the selection of wines she has imported especially from the Bordeaux region, and it will be an opportunity for the students to learn how to appreciate wines in French.

The tastings will only take place for the Elementary 2 and above levels, so that the tastings can take place completely in French.

The students will then have the opportunity to purchase the wine they preferred, with a 5% discount.

More information on LA PROVENANCE (in English and in French):

La Provenance Débute

Un nouveau concept dans la vente du vin démarre. Sous la direction de Valerie Blanc, originaire de Bordeaux et Amanda Brown, La Provenance est désormais prête à recevoir vos commandes et votre réservation pour une dégustation.

La Provenance a passé un temps considérable à choisir ses vins, en rendant visite à chaque chateau en France. Les vins proposés dans un premier temps, sont de la région de Bordeaux et ont pour la plupart gagnés des concours de vins et spiritueux à Paris, Bruxelles, et les Etats Unis. La Provenance continuera à fournir des vins venus de France et aussi d’autres pays européens au fur et à mesure que Provenance s’agrandira. Aucun de ces vins ne sont disponibles ailleurs dans le Royaume Uni.

Afin d’aider ses clients dans leur choix de vins, La Provenance propose d’organiser une dégustation chez vous et de passer commande en fin de session. Si vous avez un groupe d’amis interressés, n’hésitez pas à les réunir pour une soirée agréable. (groupe entre 6 et 8 personnes)

La gamme des vins de La Provenance est disponible en bag in box de 5 litres (l’équivalent de 7 bouteilles mais plus facile à stocker et recycler) et en bouteilles 75cl. Le Bag in Box vous permet de conserver votre vin pendant 4 semaines après l’ouverture, ce qui est idéal pour ceux qui veulent savourer un verre de vin, sans avoir à ouvrir une bouteille au risque d’en perdre la qualité le lendemain!
Nous avons aussi un superbe vin pétillant, crémant de Bordeaux, qui est un substitut idéal au champagne pour une occasion spéciale, à un prix moindre.


Si vous êtes interessés et désirez passer une commande ou organiser une dégustation, n’hésitez pas et prenez contact avec Valerie ou Amanda
Laprovenance@msn.com ou 07784736537.


La Provenance IN ENGLISH

A new concept in wine retailing is now ready for business. Under the direction of Valerie Blanc, a native of Bordeaux and Amanda Brown, La Provenance is now ready to receive your orders and book your wine tastings.

A large amount of time and effort has gone into the sourcing of the wine and each wine is sourced from a Chateau in France personally by La Provenance. The initial wines originate from around the Bordeaux region and all are medal winners. La Provenance will continue to source new wines from throughout France and further a field as the business grows. None of these wines are available elsewhere in the UK.

To help our customers decide which their favourite is, La Provenance will carry out a wine tasting in people’s homes at no cost to the host. Ideally we would encourage the host to invite 6/8 other guests to make an event of the tasting.

The range of La Provenance wines are available as bag in box of 5 litres (which equates to just under 7 bottles, and easier to recycle) and 75cl bottles. Bag in Box allows you to keep the wine for up to 4 weeks once it has been opened, meaning that those drinkers who like a glass a night can now enjoy fantastic quality wine without the pressure of finishing a bottle.

We have also sourced a mouth watering sparkling white wine – Cremant – which is a great substitute for Cava or champagne for those special occasions.


If you are interested in hosting a tasting at your home or workplace, to taste some wine before you buy, please contact us either via email at Laprovenance@msn.com or on 07784736537.

Monday, September 25, 2006

New Saturday absolute beginner course

Following issues linked to the change of timing of the original absolute beginners group, I have decided to start up a new group taking place on Saturdays between 11am and 12.30.
Please contact me immediately for more information on this course.

It is due to start on Saturday 7 October 2006.

Fees: £92.50
Duration: 10 weeks

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Update on French evening classes availability

There are still a few spaces left in my conversational evening classes, in various different levels:

Film Course: 12 weeks : £105

Improving Listening Comprehension through Film
[Thursdays, 7.45-9.00pm]:

  • starting 21 September: FULL

10 weeks: October-December - £92.50

Absolute Beginners [Thursdays, 6.00-7.30pm]:

  • 3 spaces left

Post-Beginners [Wednesdays, 6.00-7.30pm]:

  • FULL

Elementary 1 [Mondays, 6.00-7.30pm]:

  • 2 spaces left

Elementary 2 [Tuesdays, 6.00-7.30pm]:

  • 1 space left

Intermediate 1 [Tuesdays, 7.45-9.15pm]:

  • FULL

Intermediate 3 [Mondays, 7.45-9.15pm]:

  • FULL

Advanced Conversation [Wednesdays, 7.45-9.00pm]:

  • FULL




Please note there is a maximum of 8 people per group, and a minimum of 4. Tea, coffee, herbal teas and mineral water will be available free of charge, and the fees also include all documents used in class.

For more information, and a free assessment of your present level, please contact me (Lise Morel) either by phone 0131 557 2734, or by email lise@edilang.com

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Easy French...

It suddenly occurs to me that it could be useful for all the new students out there to post again the link to Radio France's Les informations en francais facile...

It is indeed quite invaluable when you reach a certain level (ie master the present and past tenses mostly), as it presents a radio news bulletin - in 'easy' French, in other words, substantially (but not stupidly!) slowed down! Besides, they also offer a transcription. Brilliant!!

So if you want to know more about this, click right here!

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Audio - soon here?

Quick note to say I am (just about) beginning to master the fine art of 'podcasting', ie including audio files to a web site, which can then potentially be downloaded (hurray!) onto an iPod or an mp3 player...
:-)

Please go and check out my Transsiberian page, and tell me if the audio format is OK (or not, as the case may be)... It will be an opportunity to listen to the lovely Sacha, who distracted us on the first leg of our transsiberian journey!

Lxox

Monday, September 18, 2006

French events in September

Toulouse-Lautrec and the Art Nouveau Poster
"A display of French poster prints, spanning from the Romantic period to the start of the Art Nouveau movement, including 15 works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec."

When? Until 22 October
Where? City Art Centre
How much? £5 (£3.50-£14 family)

Roussillon: Now and Then
"A selection of work by Scottish painter Ian Scott created over the last 30 years in his French base." - Part of the Mackintosh Festival
When? Until 30 September, Mon-Wed 10.00am-4.00; Thu-Sun 10.00am-1.00
Where? House for an Art Lover (Glasgow)
How much? £3.50 (£2.50-£7 family)
More info: www.glasgowmackintosh2006.com

Every Tuesday, 9-11pm: French/English @The World on Thistle Street - come and practise your French or your English with friendly native speakers....

19 September: 1.10pm
Get Organised! - The French Connection: "John Kitchen presents an all-encompassing programme of French music, including ballet music by Lully and Rameau, works from the time of the Revolution such as Balbastre's 'Variations on the Marseillaise along with organ favourites by Franck and Widor."
Where? Usher Hall
How much? £3

20 September: 8.00pm
Tribute to Stéphane Grappelli: "Pioneer jazz violinist Grappelli who formed the first all-string jazz band, the Quintette du hot Club de France, is resurrected by Dutch jazz violinist Tim Kliphuis and the John Russell Trio."
Where? North Edinburgh Arts Centre
How much? £9 (£4-£6)

20 September: 8:30 PM
French Meetup. Monthly event - come and join other French speakers!
Where? Au Bar (101 Shandwick Place)
How much? FREE!

25 September : 6.00 pm
Les Journées Télécinéma
"The INA (French National Institute of television and radio archives) reveal the fruits of their annual foray into their archives, containing more than 60 years of French TV footage, which aims to allow the public to rediscover the best of screen through the free screening of two selected programmes."
Where? Institut Francais d'Ecosse
How much? Free!

Tuesday 26 September only
Le mépris: film by Jean-Luc Godard with Brigitte Bardot, Michel Piccoli, Jack Palance, Fritz Lang. "A young woman (Bardot) is gradually possessed by an overwhelming contempt for her husband (Piccoli), a writer beset by doubts when he is called in as script-doctor to a film of 'The Odyssey', being made by a director (Lang) who wants to capture the reality of Homer's world, and a crass producer (Palance) who just wants more mermaids..."
Where ? Filmhouse
How much? Cinema price, I suppose!

28 September: 6.00pm
The Edinburgh Quartet and The Auld Alliance: "The Edinburgh Quartet and friends introduce their 2006/2007 season at this exclusive event, performing and discussing a selection of excerpts from their forthcoming French and Scottish pieces."
Where? Institut Francais d'Ecosse
How much? Free


To look forward to in October and December:

4 Oct: 7.30
The Gipsy Kings: "The legendary French band return to keep the flamenco tradition flying."
Edinburgh Playhouse
£36.50

Thursday 5 October at 6.30pm
MARIONAS (concert)
Gordon Ferries is musical director of the Baroque ensemble Symphonie des
Plaisirs and he teaches lute and guitar. This concert is an opportunity to
discover period instruments used in baroque compositions, as well as
French and Spanish, with dancing accents borrowed from mediterranean
music.
Entry free

20 Oct: 12.45
Travel and Study: George Reid in Holland and France
"Dr John Morrison examines George Reid's travels to Utrecht, The Hague and Paris between 1866 and 1871."
Weston Link
Free

24 Oct: 7.00
Phoenix: "Groovy French popsters who marry the best of 70s pop with a club sensibility."
The Arches (Glasgow)
£12

24 Oct: 12.45
Painting Idleness: Boudin in Normandy and the South of France
"A talk on Boudin's paintings of tourists on the Normandy Coast by Frances Fowle."
Weston Link
Free


14 Dec: 7.30
Scottish Chamber Orchestra: The Old Rivalry
"A comparison of dance music and symphonies from France and England featuring the composers Rebel, Charpentier, Haydn, Handel and Purcell by director and harpsichordist Richard Egarr."
More info: www.sco.org.uk
Queen's Hall
£8-£24 (£6-£18)

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Penrose as a collector, curator and apologist for Surrealism

Thursday 14 September, 6pm
"Penrose as a collector, curator and apologist for Surrealism"
"Elizabeth Cowling is a specialist in 20th-century European art and particularly in artists' working processes, techniques and use of sources.
Her talk will embrace Roland Penrose's lifelong love affair with France which began in 1922 when he moved to Paris to study painting. In 1925 he married the poet Valentine Boué, through whom he met many of the leading Surrealists. Paul Eluard became a particularly close friend and it was through him that Penrose first met Picasso in 1936, shortly after the major Surrealist exhibition he helped to organise in London. Although he continued to practise as a painter, collagist and maker of 'objets surréalistes', after World War II Penrose became increasingly involved in arts administration, curating exhibitions and writing. In this talk Elizabeth Cowling, author of a recently published book about his forty-year relationship with Picasso, will talk mainly about Penrose as a collector, curator and apologist for Surrealism."

The talk will be in English, and it is free!
Where ? Institut Français d'Ecosse, 13 Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh EH3

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