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 talks 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.
OCTOBER TALK
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6250 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Alexandra Lee, VIS Assistant Cello
Today’s female musical creators have found their way to the stage because of the pioneering work of determined and talented women before them. VIS Assistant Principal Cellist, Alexandra Lee, presents some of her favourite female composers, including ones featured in our season. She will also talk about her latest creations “She Composed, Herself” and the next VIS Music Education concert “Puck & Nature’s Orchestra.”
NOVEMBER TALK
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Dr. Adam Hoverman
What would healthcare look like if your doctor could prescribe concert tickets? Specializing in preventive medicine & public health, local family physician Dr. Adam Hoverman introduces the concepts of Social Prescribing & Narrative Medicine, where a patient and their care provider look to music, art and social connectedness for improving physical, mental, & social wellbeing.
DECEMBER TALK
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Andrew Clark, VIS Principal French Horn
Principal French Horn player, Andrew Clark, is not only an expert horn player, but also a master craftsman of brass instruments. Andrew will bring his Ladysmith workshop to you sharing his tools, plans & techniques and examples of his work. Discover the science, skill and creativity that shape the sound of brass. You might even get involved!
JANUARY TALK
MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2027
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Joan Blackman, VIS Concertmaster
Newly appointed VIS Concertmaster, Joan Blackman, shares her life’s journey as a musician. Inspired by the secret language of music, Joan is propelled by the magic of music and its power to connect. When asking herself what she could do for the world, her answer was to play music. Find out why.
FEBRUARY TALK
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2027
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Gerald van Wyck
From the origins of conducting to today’s signature styles, conductors play an important role beyond keeping time at the front of the stage. Musical director and conductor, Gerald van Wyck takes an insider’s look at the historical and practical role of the conductor to build insight and appreciation for the variety of conductors selected to share the stage with the VIS this season.
MARCH TALK
MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2027
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Scott MacInnes, VIS Principal Trombone
VIS Principal Trombonist, Scott MacInnes takes up the baton this season, leading the orchestra in 3 exciting concerts. Scott will share his journey as a professional musician, including standout career highlights, and stories behind his special love for trombone solos and spy movie soundtracks. It’s an inviting, personal look at the music that has shaped him, both onstage and off.
APRIL TALK
MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2027
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Dr. Sasha Koerbler
It’s no wonder why many classical music lovers are bird-lovers too. Throughout history, composers have used the sounds and symbolism of birds in their compositions. From nightingales to blackbirds, swans to loons, classical and contemporary composers alike have incorporated the sounds of birdsong to paint musical landscapes. In this talk, music theorist and musicologist Dr. Sasha Koerbler will prepare you to be a musical ornithologist.
Select your Full Pass Series Ticket
or Single Tickets
PAY WHAT YOU CAN TO ATTEND THE TALKS. WALK-INS WELCOME.
ALL TALKS ARE AT
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo
ALL 7 KEYNOTE TALKS
Full Series Pass
To Book your seat in advance for VIS Keynote Talks:
For Full Series (all 7 talks): Click on the Full Series Pass button above.
For Single Talks: Click on the RESERVER YOUR SEAT button below the title of the talk you wish to attend.
When you reserve a seat in advance you will also receive a link to view the online recorded version of the talk. Enjoy the recording at your convenience from anywhere online.
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 talks are here to inspire you. Join us monthly to learn about this season’s music and musicians in a fun, casual and welcoming environment.
ALL 7 KEYNOTE TALKS
Full Series Pass
To Book your seat in advance for VIS Keynote Talks:
For Full Series (all 7 talks): Click on the Full Series Pass button above.
For Single Talks: Click on the RESERVE YOUR SEAT button below the title of the talk you wish to attend.
OCTOBER TALK
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6250 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Alexandra Lee, VIS Assistant Cello
Today’s female musical creators have found their way to the stage because of the pioneering work of determined and talented women before them. VIS Assistant Principal Cellist, Alexandra Lee, presents some of her favourite female composers, including ones featured in our season. She will also talk about her latest creations “She Composed, Herself” and the next VIS Music Education concert “Puck & Nature’s Orchestra.”
NOVEMBER TALK
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Dr. Adam Hoverman
What would healthcare look like if your doctor could prescribe concert tickets? Specializing in preventive medicine & public health, local family physician Dr. Adam Hoverman introduces the concepts of Social Prescribing & Narrative Medicine, where a patient and their care provider look to music, art and social connectedness for improving physical, mental, & social wellbeing.
DECEMBER TALK
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Andrew Clark, VIS Principal French Horn
Principal French Horn player, Andrew Clark, is not only an expert horn player, but also a master craftsman of brass instruments. Andrew will bring his Ladysmith workshop to you sharing his tools, plans & techniques and examples of his work. Discover the science, skill and creativity that shape the sound of brass. You might even get involved!
JANUARY TALK
MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2027
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Joan Blackman, VIS Concertmaster
Newly appointed VIS Concertmaster, Joan Blackman, shares her life’s journey as a musician. Inspired by the secret language of music, Joan is propelled by the magic of music and its power to connect. When asking herself what she could do for the world, her answer was to play music. Find out why.
FEBRUARY TALK
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2027
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Gerald van Wyck
From the origins of conducting to today’s signature styles, conductors play an important role beyond keeping time at the front of the stage. Musical director and conductor, Gerald van Wyck takes an insider’s look at the historical and practical role of the conductor to build insight and appreciation for the variety of conductors selected to share the stage with the VIS this season.
MARCH TALK
MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2027
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Scott MacInnes, VIS Principal Trombone
VIS Principal Trombonist, Scott MacInnes takes up the baton this season, leading the orchestra in 3 exciting concerts. Scott will share his journey as a professional musician, including standout career highlights, and stories behind his special love for trombone solos and spy movie soundtracks. It’s an inviting, personal look at the music that has shaped him, both onstage and off.
APRIL TALK
MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2027
2:00 – 3:00 PM
VIRL Nanaimo North Branch
6280 Hammond Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC
Speaker: Dr. Sasha Koerbler
It’s no wonder why many classical music lovers are bird-lovers too. Throughout history, composers have used the sounds and symbolism of birds in their compositions. From nightingales to blackbirds, swans to loons, classical and contemporary composers alike have incorporated the sounds of birdsong to paint musical landscapes. In this talk, music theorist and musicologist Dr. Sasha Koerbler will prepare you to be a musical ornithologist.
