Accessible Learning. Music for everyone.
SPONSORED BY
Interested in learning something new about the symphony? Whether you are new-to-symphony, consider yourself a music aficionado or are just plain curious, our monthly lectures are here to inspire you. Join us monthly to learn about this season’s music and musicians in a fun, casual and welcoming environment.
Attendance to the lectures is by “Pay What You Can”. Advance bookings and walk-ins are welcome.
How to Book your seat in advance of the VIS Keynote Speaker Series lectures:
On the right hand side of this page, click on the Full Series Pass button to reserve a seat at all 7 lectures or find the lecture you would like to attend and click on the Single Tickets button. When you reserve a seat in advance you will also receive a link and password to view the recorded version of the lecture. Enjoy the recording at your convenience from anywhere online.
LECTURE 1
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Michael MacKinnon, bass singer & educator
Why, after 400 years, is opera still trending around the world and performed with increasing passion? What moves audiences like no other artform infiltrating the cultural milieu with its lavish spectacle and emotional storytelling? Vancouver Island based bass singer Michael MacKinnon shares his perspective on this exceptional artform illuminating the tradition, relevance and evolution of opera today.
LECTURE 2
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Carolyn Cusson, Celtic musician, entrepreneur and leadership consultant, with René Cusson
You don’t have to be from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or Brittany to love Celtic music. Local Celtic expert and producer Carolyn Cusson looks at why this magical musical tradition is beloved around the world and thriving right here on Vancouver Island. Discover how Celtic music has grown through homegrown organizations, global collaborations, and a universal appeal that transcends borders.
LECTURE 3
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Hannah Addario-Berry, VIS Principal cello
VIS Principal Cellist Hannah Addario-Berry has a passion for chamber music and a commitment to championing living composers. Diving into the creative process of bringing brand-new music to life, Hannah will share how she unpacks a brand-new score and how learning new music is different (and the same) as learning old music. Come share Hannah’s unique perspective from the front row of the cello section.
LECTURE 4
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Cosette Justo Valdés, VIS Artistic Director
In anticipation of the first Cuban music festival in Nanaimo, taking place February 12 – 14, 2026, Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés takes us inside the festival’s programming: the music, musicians and Cuban music history. If you want to become a specialist on Cuban music, this is your chance.
LECTURE 5
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Heather Walker, VIS 4 th Horn
Heather shares the twists and turns of her musical journey —from training and travel to life as a freelance musician. She’ll compare performing in both symphony and opera orchestras, how to navigate a full concert season, and what really happens in rehearsals and auditions. As a fitness instructor and posture specialist, Heather will also connect the dots between music, movement, and well-being.
LECTURE 6
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Cosette Justo Valdés, VIS Artistic Director
In anticipation of VIS’ final concert of the season, VIS’ Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés will share her passion for combining artforms. Inspired by guest poets & performers Titilope Sonuga and Wakefield Brewster, Cosette links the brilliant work of composer Gabriela Smith and the genius of the young Lili Boulanger with the impactful music in Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet.
LECTURE 7
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Scott MacInnes, VIS Principal Bass Trombone
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a bass trombonist in an orchestra? Scott MacInnes, Principal Bass Trombonist, presents a fun and light-hearted hour of personal stories and behind-the- scenes tales from his remarkable musical journey as a professional trombonist. From being at the right place at the right time, to learning never to say never and overcoming adversity Scott’s path is full of surprises.
Select your Full Pass Series Ticket
or Single Tickets
PAY WHAT YOU CAN TO ATTEND THE LECTURES. WALK-INS WELCOME.
ALL LECTURES ARE AT
OLIVER WOODS COMMUNITY CENTRE
IN THE SALAL ROOM 2
6000 Oliver Rd, Nanaimo, BC
LECTURES 1-7
Full Series Pass
Tickets to all 7 Lectures.
LECTURE 1
Force of Destiny
Thursday, October 23
LECTURE 2
Fáilte!
Thursday, November 20
LECTURE 3
Cello
Lessons
Thursday, December 11
LECTURE 4
Cuban
Vibes
Thursday, January 15
LECTURE 5
Horn of
Plenty
Thursday, February 19
LECTURE 6
Romeo
& Juliet
Tuesday, March 10
LECTURE 7
Behind the
Trombone
Thursday, April 16
Accessible Learning. Music for everyone.
SPONSORED BY
Interested in learning something new about the symphony? Whether you are new-to-symphony, consider yourself a music aficionado or are just plain curious, our monthly lectures are here to inspire you. Join us monthly to learn about this season’s music and musicians in a fun, casual and welcoming environment.
Attendance to the lectures is by “Pay What You Can”. Advance bookings and walk-ins are welcome.
How to Book your seat in advance of the VIS Keynote Speaker Series lectures:
Click on the Full Series Pass button to reserve a seat at all 7 lectures or find the lecture you would like to attend and click on the Single Tickets button. When you reserve a seat in advance you will also receive a link and password to view the recorded version of the lecture. Enjoy the recording at your convenience from anywhere online.
LECTURES 1-7
Full Series Pass
Tickets to all 7 Lectures.
LECTURE 1
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Michael MacKinnon, bass singer & educator
Why, after 400 years, is opera still trending around the world and performed with increasing passion? What moves audiences like no other artform infiltrating the cultural milieu with its lavish spectacle and emotional storytelling? Vancouver Island based bass singer Michael MacKinnon shares his perspective on this exceptional artform illuminating the tradition, relevance and evolution of opera today.
LECTURE 2
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Carolyn Cusson, Celtic musician, entrepreneur and leadership consultant, with René Cusson
You don’t have to be from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or Brittany to love Celtic music. Local Celtic expert and producer Carolyn Cusson looks at why this magical musical tradition is beloved around the world and thriving right here on Vancouver Island. Discover how Celtic music has grown through homegrown organizations, global collaborations, and a universal appeal that transcends borders.
LECTURE 3
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Hannah Addario-Berry, Principal cello
VIS Principal Cellist Hannah Addario-Berry has a passion for chamber music and a commitment to championing living composers. Diving into the creative process of bringing brand-new music to life, Hannah will share how she unpacks a brand-new score and how learning new music is different (and the same) as learning old music. Come share Hannah’s unique perspective from the front row of the cello section.
LECTURE 4
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Cosette Justo Valdés, VIS Artistic Director
In anticipation of the first Cuban music festival in Nanaimo, taking place February 12 – 14, 2026, Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés takes us inside the festival’s programming: the music, musicians and Cuban music history. If you want to become a specialist on Cuban music, this is your chance.
LECTURE 5
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Heather Walker, VIS 4 th Horn
Heather shares the twists and turns of her musical journey —from training and travel to life as a freelance musician. She’ll compare performing in both symphony and opera orchestras, how to navigate a full concert season, and what really happens in rehearsals and auditions. As a fitness instructor and posture specialist, Heather will also connect the dots between music, movement, and well-being.
LECTURE 6
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Cosette Justo Valdés, VIS Artistic Director
In anticipation of VIS’ final concert of the season, VIS’ Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés will share her passion for combining artforms. Inspired by guest poets & performers Titilope Sonuga and Wakefield Brewster, Cosette links the brilliant work of composer Gabriela Smith and the genius of the young Lili Boulanger with the impactful music in Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet.
LECTURE 7
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Scott MacInnes, Principal Bass Trombone
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a bass trombonist in an orchestra? Scott MacInnes, Principal Bass Trombonist, presents a fun and light-hearted hour of personal stories and behind-the- scenes tales from his remarkable musical journey as a professional trombonist. From being at the right place at the right time, to learning never to say never and overcoming adversity Scott’s path is full of surprises.
