The last years of the 19th Century in Paris were a time of great creativity and experimentation in the arts and music. One of the manifestations of this was a vibrant café and nightclub culture which combined music with other popular forms of entertainment. Erik Satie (1866-1925), the witty and innovative composer of the ever-popular Gymnopédies, was a figure who bridged the gap between classical music and the world of the cafe and the street. For instance, he was influenced by fast-changing technologies and by mechanical and street music.

Experience with us the atmosphere and the sounds of one of music’s most glamorous salons, which launched some of the most important music of the modern age at an event celebrating the life and musical commissions of Winnaretta Singer, Princesse de Polignac

Poetry and music have been associated with each other from the very beginning, in Britain as elsewhere. At this event, author and lecturer Richard Stokes will give an illustrated talk based on his latest book The Penguin Book of English Song.

In a break with our normal format, R&V is holding a special wine-tasting evening for all those interested in experiencing the amazing quality and variety of new Chinese wines.

For the Czech philosopher Jan Pato?ka (1907-1977), the arts and culture lay at the heart of a healthy and self-questioning civil society. This exciting live event will explore and celebrate his ideas through poetry, music and fine art.