In 2025 we are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of the French composer Erik Satie (1866-1925), who is best-known for his lulling Gymnopédies and his quirky sense of humour.

Caroline Potter, author of Erik Satie: a Parisian composer and his world, named Sunday Times Classical Music Book of the Year, will be talking about Satie’s life and music. She will focus on his preoccupation with death: Satie’s approach to death in his texts and music ranges from factual statements, through embarrassment concealed by humour, to heartfelt expressions of loss.