What do music and listening have in common? Both are lacking amongst young people growing up in today's modern world. This idea will be debated further by Kim Williams AM in his one-off Sydney Ideas lecture at the University of Sydney's Conservatorium of Music on Tuesday 30 September at 6.00pm.
One of Australia's most high-profile media executives and a well-known supporter of the Arts, Kim Williams speaks intimately about how music influenced his life both personally and professionally. Williams will draw parallels between the disciplined approach to music training and the way he conducts business.
"Everyone knows Kim Williams in Australia's top corporate circles. But fewer people know much about Kim's early years as a highly dedicated, passionate musician, and how it shaped him as an astute businessman and leading figure in the arts industry," said Professor Karl Kramer, Dean and Principal, Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Talking about two things very dear to his heart - music and listening - Mr Williams will provide a strong case for the primacy of music education from a young age, using his own life as an example. He will explain how he sees music being key to restoring a diminishing life skill today - what he terms 'close listening'.
He will also touch on the lack of music education he sees growing up in this country today, and Australians' inability to give and receive criticism in a way that he describes as "thoughtful, caring, constructive and nourishing" - something that music training seeks and welcomes so that musicians grow to become world-class artists.
"Music is a natural prism for the way I see things and has been central to my experience and enjoyment of life. Music is so central to my view of the world that I don't really stand back and think about it and only did so some years ago when asked to give a lecture about music and its personal impact and resonances. This lecture will reflect on some of those matters and offer some observations on why music matters to me."
For more information on the Kim Williams lecture and other Sydney Ideas events visit: www.sydney.edu.au/sydney_ideas
Event Details
What: Sydney Ideas Lecture: Kim Williams on Music and the Rules of Engagement
When: Tuesday 30 September 2014, 6pm-7.30pm
Where: The Sydney Conservatorium of Music, The University of Sydney, Corner of Bridge and Macquarie Streets, Sydney
Cost and bookings: Free but limited seats. Bookings essential at con.rsvp@sydney.edu.au
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