Free Lectures, Workshops & Concerts

Arts Speak is an educational series of lectures and performance lectures that celebrates the power of creativity through arts and music. Join us in person or tune in virtually to explore, learn, and connect on a wide variety of topics surrounding Arts and music with renowned experts.

All are Welcome! In Person & Livestreamed

The Garden of Cosmic Speculation: A Musical Journey

Arts Speak Lecture
Saturday, February 28 — 3:30 PM

Presented by Michael Gandolfi, composer

Michael Gandolfi will present his epic musical composition inspired by “The Garden of Cosmic Speculation,” a 30-acre land-art masterpiece designed by Charles Jencks and located in the Borders area of Scotland. Drawing from this intricate landscape and its philosophical themes, his work explores the intersection of nature, science, and musical creativity. Through evocative melodies and innovative structures, the piece aims to reflect the garden’s blend of mathematics, cosmology, and artistic wonder. Join him as he discusses the compositional process, the sources of inspiration, and how music can interpret and expand upon the cosmic ideas embodied in this unique space.

Divine Invitations: The Preludes of the Bach Cello Suites

Arts Speak Performance Lecture
Sunday, March 15 — 3:30 PM

Presented by Kevin Crudder, cellist

In this conversation, cellist Kevin Crudder will explore all six preludes of the Bach Suites for Unaccompanied Cello both from a technical perspective and as profound musical meditations. The prelude can be viewed not only as the introduction to each suite but as self-contained expressions of balance and transcendence inviting the listener into a space of reflection and self-inquiry.

Prometheus: The Creation of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony

Arts Speak Lecture
Saturday, May 9 — 3:30 PM

Presented by Jan Swafford, Musicologist

Jan Swafford is an award-winning composer, writer, and musicologist whose works and writings have deeply shaped contemporary understanding of classical music.

You Are the Music! Healing Your Body with the Resonance Frequency of 528

Arts Speak Lecture
Saturday, June 27 — 7:30 PM

Presented by Dr. Leonard Horowitz

Dr. Leonard Horowitz is an internationally recognized figure in the arts and sciences of natural healing.

The Singing Tuba: Expanding the Voice of the Low Brass

Arts Speak Performance Lecture
Saturday, July 18 — 7:30 PM

Presented by Justin Benavidez — Tuba

Justin Benavidez is an acclaimed tuba soloist, chamber musician, and educator, currently serving as Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the Eastman School of Music.

Recent Lectures, Workshops & Concerts

Watch Previous Lectures: YouTube or Rumble

Interviews about Arts Empowering Life

Eric Metaxas – Full Interview

Spectrum (I Heart Radio) – Full Interview

Nightside with Dan Rea (WBZ Radio – I Heart Radio)