This new speakers series is ideal for the curious, the new-to-symphony and the music aficionado. Join us for riveting conversation and insight on this season’s music and musicians. Choose a topic that piques your interest or buy a Full Series Pass in the spirit of Life-long learning. This speakers series provides different content presented in our pre-concert talks.
How to Buy a Ticket to the VIS KeyNote Speaker Series Lectures:
On the right hand side of this page, click on the Full Series Pass button to purchase all 7 lectures or find the lecture you would like to attend and click on the Single Tickets button.
LECTURE 1
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Origin at Longwood Retirement Facility, Nanaimo
Speaker: Cosette Justo Valdés
VIS Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés shares details about how the musical and technical aspects of this profound symphony speak to her heart. She will share her discoveries and her choices for the interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece.
LECTURE 2
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Origin at Longwood Retirement Facility, Nanaimo
Speakers: Kevin Cole, hosted by Cosette Justo Valdés
Kevin Cole is widely regarded as the foremost interpreter of George Gershwin’s compositions. Cole’s performances have garnered accolades from America’s most prominent music critics and multiple return engagements with orchestras and concert series across the country. Join this insightful conversation between him and VIS’ Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés.
LECTURE 3
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
& Conference Centre, Parksville
Speakers: Colin Duncanson, Lydia Molder (CCPWG), Margot Holmes (VIS)
Assistant Vice President & Private Wealth Advisor Colin Duncanson and Estate & Trust Specialist, Lydia Molder of Coastal Community Private Wealth Group invite you for lunch with the goal of demystifying Planned Giving. If you want to know how your legacy can make a long-term impact on the VIS for the next 30 years, this lunch & learn lecture is for you. Full Series Pass holders can attend this lecture for free.
LECTURE 4
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Origin at Longwood Retirement Facility, Nanaimo
Speaker: Cosette Justo Valdés
Composers have always taken inspiration and influence from their mentors and predecessors. Such is the case of Beethoven, who greatly admired Bach, Handel and Mozart. Likewise, Jocelyn Morlock’s expresses a deep connection with Beethoven in her work “Interloper”. Cosette Justo Valdés will share the connections between these composers and their inspired creations
LECTURE 5
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Origin at Longwood Retirement Facility, Nanaimo
Speakers: Calvin Dyck & Margot Holmes
Concertmaster Calvin Dyck reflects on 25 years as Concertmaster and celebrates 30 years of the Vancouver Island Symphony with Executive Director Margot Holmes.
LECTURE 6
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Origin at Longwood Retirement Facility, Nanaimo
Speakers: Paolo Bortolussi, flute, & Mark D’Angelo, trumpet
Classical music is a living art form that connects today’s composers, players and audiences to a centuries-old tradition. VIS New Music Manager and principal flutist Paolo Bortolussi along with VIS trumpeter and featured soloist Mark D’Angelo will discuss how the VIS play an important role in Canadian new music, while looking at the challenges and delights of preparing and performing Vivian Fung’s concerto for trumpet and orchestra.
LECTURE 7
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Origin at Longwood Retirement Facility, Nanaimo
Speakers: Alexandra Lee, cello, Nicole Arendt, timpani, Emily Nagelbach, flute
The process from rehearsal to performance is rewarding, exhilarating and challenging. Join Emily Nagelbach (2nd Flute/Piccolo), Alexandra Lee (Assistant Principal Cello), and Nicole Arendt (Principal Timpani) to hear how they care for themselves and their unique instruments in preparation for this month’s beloved classical repertoire and two new, unknown works.
Select your Full Pass Series Ticket
or Single Tickets!
FULL SERIES PASS: $99
SINGLE TICKETS: $25 – $40
(prices include all fees & taxes)
LECTURES 1-7
Full Series Pass
Tickets to all 7 Lectures.
LECTURE 1
Tchaikovsky
6th Symphony
Thursday, October 17
Origin at Longwood
LECTURE 2
Genius of
Gershwin
Thursday, November 14
Origin at Longwood
LECTURE 3
Your Next
Concert
Tuesday, December 5
Tigh-Na-Mara Resort
LECTURE 4
A Musical
Legacy
Thursday, January 16
Origin at Longwood
LECTURE 5
An Offer I
Couldn’t Refuse
Thursday, February 6
Origin at Longwood
LECTURE 6
A Team
Sport
Thursday, March 6
Origin at Longwood
LECTURE 7
Preparation
& Perspective
Thursday, April 24
Origin at Longwood
