Talks & lectures

Author Vivien Devlin looks at the rich history of variety entertainment in Scotland.

Learn more about creepy crawlies on this bug spotting bonanza for National Insect Week.

A panel of artists, researchers and government policy makers explore the philosophical and critical questions that surround creative work, and the various viewpoints that influence it. Presented by CCA Creative Lab Residency and Centre for Modern Thought, Aberdeen.

Choreographer and solo performer Gerhart Bonher on the making of Im (Goldenen) Schnitt I.

Mid-festival a chance to look post-festival, how to capitalise on success, how to heal critical wounds, what to do next if you are a new creative artist/emerging company. Meet some critical friends.

Unique experience for champagne lovers and novices alike. A tutored champagne tasting in the stunning surroundings of the Signet Library, a historic Edinburgh venue. Consistent top quality, Pommery is renowned for its variety and innovation afforded by nine different crus, setting it apart from other Grandes Marques.

Improve your Mandarin Chinese conversation in a small group with an experienced tutor.

Listen to a classic jazz album on a top-range sound system in company, and hear insights into its musical context and how it came to be made.

Christopher Hampson and Jane Pritchard, Curator of Dance at the V&A, inž conversation.

Countertenor Andreas Scholl talks to Richard Morrison, chief music critic of The Times.

Members of New York City’s Bang on a Can All-Stars discuss making music new with Edinburgh-based composer John Harris.

Members of Ensemble musikFabrik talk to composer John Harris about their unique artistic vision.

Members of Grid Iron talk about Leaving Planet Earth in the company of journalist and critic Robert Dawson Scott.

Electronic music composer Marco Stroppa and pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard talk to BBC Radio 3 presenter Tom Service about their pioneering work.

Meredith Monk explores the artist’s relationship with the environment, in conversation with Philip Campbell, editor of Nature magazine.

Australian clarinettist Nicola Boud and fortepianist Kristian Bezuidenhout discuss their Queen’s Hall recital with Richard Morrison, chief music critic of The Times.

Elizabeth LeCompte and company members talk to Andrew Quick about their complex interpretation of Hamlet.

Walking festival that takes place amid the natural splendour of the Cowal peninsula with walks focussing on heritage, wildlife or just a good work-out. As well as an extensive range of guided walks for all ages and abilities, there are also drama workshops for children, horse riding, orienteering, exhibitions, art…

Portrait Gallery Director Christopher Baker talks about Frederic Edwin Church's monumental painting of Niagara Falls in the context of the artist's enormously successful career.

August 2012 saw the inaugural Edinburgh International Culture Summit, an event that brought together Culture Ministers and officials from over 30 nations for a series of conversations about forging international dialogue through culture. Initiated by the Edinburgh International Festival in partnership with the British…

Regular talks on museum staff's favourite objects from the collection.

Curators from the Nam June Paik Art Center, Tate and Talbot Rice Gallery discuss the work and legacy of Nam June Paik.