Comox Valley ElderCollege is launching a new lecture series to give back to the community.
The first such lecture, Classical Music in the 21st Century: What’s New in How We Present and Hear the Classics, features respected music historian Dr. David Gordon Duke.
The event will be held Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Stan Hagen Theatre and is the first of ElderCollege’s Discovery Series of inspiring lectures that help fund local charities. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre (CYMC).
“This event exemplifies the high calibre of programming we offer,” said Michael Syer, chair of Comox Valley ElderCollege. “It also celebrates our legacy of giving back to the community. Our students want to continue to learn, to grow and to support our others.”
The upcoming lecture promises to be of interest to classical music lovers. Duke holds degrees in historical musicology from the University of North Carolina, the University of Victoria and UBC. He serves as a faculty member for Vancouver Community College’s School of Music. He has also served as a longtime music critic for the Vancouver Sun and is a contributor to American Record Guide and Classical Voice North America.
Duke’s accessible, illustrated presentation will consider new challenges and opportunities arising from new interpretations of music from past eras, an expanding repertoire and the use of technology.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the CYMC’s Artist in Residence program, which delivers masterclasses and workshops to youth. The program also ties in with musical performances across the Comox Valley.
CYMC executive director Ryan Oliver said the support allows the organization to continue to offer bursaries to students and expand programming.
“The CYMC is excited to partner with ElderCollege for this lecture,” Oliver said. “It’s partly thanks to events like this that in our 52-year history, we have never turned a student away due to financial need.”
ElderCollege offers more than 140 courses and lectures in the Comox Valley alone. The volunteer-run organization gives students ages 55 and over the chance to debate, discuss and learn without the added pressure of exams or grades.
The upcoming lecture will take place from 3-5 p.m. at the Stan Hagen Theatre on NIC’s Comox Valley campus. Those who are interested in attending must register at www.nicconnect.nic.bc.ca using course code CVEC 8901. The cost is $15.
Only registered ElderCollege students can attend; however, new students can sign up for an annual membership of only $10 when registering for the event. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/2IAEYoE