2019 Fall Lecture Series
Presented by various resident and visiting lecturers
Friday or Saturday evenings (as noted)
All lectures begin at 7:00 PM
(doors open at 6:15 PM for wine and goodies)
$35 per lecture
NOTE: IF A LECTURE IS MARKED “SOLD OUT”
YOU MAY CALL THE INSTITUTE OFFICE
TO GET ON THE WAIT LIST
(408-864-4060)
SAT, OCT 19: ORCHESTRA ORIGINS: THE BEGINNING OF THE SYMPHONY
Presented by Maestro Thomas Shoebotham
Maestro Shoebotham takes us on an evening’s journey through the origins of the orchestra—from the ancient Greek “orchestra” to the early instrumental ensembles of the Renaissance and Baroque eras that set the stage for the modern symphony orchestra.
SAT, OCT 26: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL
Presented by Patrick Hunt, Ph.D.
Professor Hunt leads us on an archaeological journey tracing the footsteps of St. Paul (Saul of Tarsus), who traveled extensively around the Mediterranean basin, visiting the major cities of his time to establish and encourage the growth of Christian communities. SOLD OUT
SAT, NOV 2: SHOWDOWN: THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA
Presented by Professor Naeem Zafar
The United States and China seem to be at odds, stemming from the trade imbalance and the tariffs. This lecture will examine the geopolitical realities and provide a perspective on how this showdown may end. SOLD OUT
SAT, NOV 16: GARDENS: DISPLAY OF WEALTH, OR SPIRITUAL MUSE?
Presented by Elizabeth Murray
Over milennia, gardens have been used to show wealth and dominion over the natural world. But gardens are also sanctuary for the soul, sacred space to invite the Muse of art. Elizabeth Murray shares personal stories about the great gardens of Versailles and Giverny and lesser-known gardens of Normandy. TICKETS
SAT, NOV 23: THE JEWISH COMEDIANS
Presented by Bruce Thompson, Ph.D.
Jack Benny, Groucho Marx, Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks, Joan Rivers… Never more than 2% of the population, Jews comprised about 80% of America’s professional comedians during the 20th and into the 21st centuries. Why have there been so many of them? Where does their humor come from? Be prepared to laugh! SOLD OUT
SAT, DEC 7: THE RISE AND FALL OF CLASSICAL GREECE
Presented by Josiah Ober, Ph.D.
Why did Greece reach such heights in the classical period? And how, after “the Greek miracle” had endured for centuries, did the Macedonians defeat the Greeks, seemingly bringing an end to their glory? Professor Ober offers a major new history of classical Greece and an unprecedented account of its rise and fall. SOLD OUT
FRI, DEC 20: THE ART OF THE NATIVITY
Presented by William H. Fredlund, Ph.D.
The familiar Nativity story from the New Testament has generated a priceless heritage of paintings over the ages of Western art. This lecture, a tradition at the Institute, is a wonderful way to enter into the beauty of Christmas! TICKETS
TO REGISTER:
Call 408-864-4060, Monday – Friday, 10AM – 6PM
OR register online at shop.westernciv.com
or click TICKETS links above.