Founded in 1910, the Institut Français is the official French government centre for language and culture in the UK and exists to promote French language and culture, encouraging cross-cultural exchange. The institute’s 2011-12 classical concert series’ included an exploration of French classical music called “A French Musical Journey from Couperin to Boulez”, a recital series and a series of interactive family concerts.

Artists appearing in 2012 included Charles Owen, the Psophos Quartet, Graham Johnson and more. The institute also has a fund for contemporary classical music: Diaphonique, which supports music professionals in France and Britain encouraging cultural exchange between the two artistic scenes.