Proust matinée in Cologne: A festival of literature on July 6, 2025

Proust matinée in Cologne: A festival of literature on July 6, 2025

The anticipation is increasing! The traditional Proust Matinée of the Marcel Proust Society will take place in Cologne-Lindenthal on July 6, 2025. Under the direction of Pure bacon, who will warmly welcome the guests, a diverse program around the literary legacy of Marcel Proust awaits visitors.

This year, the organizers are looking forward to the number of members with great hope: the goal of the society is to grow from the current 520 members to 800. They focus on the exchange between literary lovers and the accessibility of Proust's work to a young readership in German-speaking countries, a central concern of the future developments of this respected community, which was founded in 1982 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Proust's death. [ Wikipedia reports about the fact that the society regularly organizes international symposia, matinées and exhibitions. ]

Insights and musical accompaniment

Various speakers will have their say at the matinée. So speak Walburga Hülk-Althoff about “Marcel Proust, le père Hugo and the ‘claw of genius’” and Jürgen Ritte will offer fresh perspectives on the work of the French writer in his lecture “Nouveautés proustiennes et parisiennes”. Together, the lectures are accompanied by piano music played by Sheila Arnold, Tom Pauls and Antoine Chrétien.

A particular highlight is the letter from Édouard Risler from 1899, which is printed on the back of the program and is reminiscent of Proust's musical universe. In addition, will Bernt Hahn reading from texts by Marcel Proust and Jacques Rivière, while the afternoon program includes a homage to Jacques Rivière with several other lectures.

Invitation to membership

The Marcel Proust Society's primary task is to promote literary exchange and has established itself as one of the largest literary bodies in Germany. Under the leadership of Reiner Speck, president of the society since its founding, and general secretary Alexis Eideneier, the doors are wide open for new members. Anyone interested is warmly invited to become part of this lively community and turn to Marcel Proust's literary legacy.

For anyone who would like to take a closer look at Proust's work, the society regularly makes series of publications available through Insel Verlag, including monographs and materials for symposiums. The export option of the archive makes it possible to download articles and research results about Proust conveniently and in various formats.