Concrete Scottish Connections: Finlay, Jandl, Gomringer, and Satie

About the event

Step into the poetic cosmos of concrete poetry, magically rooted in the year 1925—when Ian Hamilton Finlay, Ernst Jandl, and Eugen Gomringer were born under “peculiar stars” as Finlay put it. Fast-forward 30 years and those three are at the forefront of shaping the avant-garde movement of concrete poetry, this bold literary movement, which broke linguistic barriers and reimagined the power of words.

Now, in an age of instant messaging but growing disconnection, we revisit and celebrate their tireless drive of cross border collaboration and appreciation - with only analogue mail at hand!

Experience their legacy through an immersive evening of storytelling and (sound) poetry, intertwined with the enchanting piano music by Erik Satie. His whimsical style and Scottish family connection perfectly fit the spirit of this evening.

Featuring German performer Florian Kaplick, known for fusing music, art and spoken word, this premiere unfolds in Edinburgh’s iconic Playfair Library, with support from:

• Goethe Institut
• Consulate General of Germany in Edinburgh
• Austrian Consulate in Edinburgh
• Consulate General of Switzerland in Edinburgh
• Austrian Cultural Forum

How to attend

This event is open to all and free to attend. Free tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite.

Are you interested in studying German at Edinburgh?

Our four-year undergraduate programmes can be taken by students who have studied the language at school and also by complete beginners, with classes streamed in Year 1 according to how much prior experience you have.

We also offer a Masters by Research and PhD in German, and a range of interdisciplinary taught masters programmes.