VIU professor explores Bach’s Chaconne for Solo Violin during first spring Colloquium lecture

The series kicks off on February 10 with a presentation by Nanaimo violinist and composer James Mark.

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Arts and Humanities Colloquium Series explores the topics of Bach’s Chaconne for Solo Violin and what it means to hold space for queerness in the classroom during two lectures this spring.

“We’re excited about the two presentations that are lined up for the Spring Semester,” said Theo Finigan, a VIU English Professor and Chair of the Colloquium Committee. “As with the Colloquium Series as a whole, they really showcase the diversity of research and teaching interests of the Arts and Humanities faculty, as well as reminding us about how important these subjects are for understanding the world around us.” 

All Colloquium lectures are free to attend and are held from 10 to 11:30 am in VIU’s Malaspina Theatre (Building 310) at the Nanaimo campus. The Colloquium lectures will also be livestreamed on the VIU Media Studies’ YouTube channel.

The series starts with On Bach’s Chaconne for Solo Violin on February 10, a presentation by James Mark, a VIU Music Professor and Nanaimo violinist and composer. Mark will delve into the background of the piece and the various nuances, interpretations and performance practices that musicians must consider when playing or performing the piece. 

Mark said there are some “intrinsic technical details that make this piece particularly difficult to pull off.” He will discuss those details and how musicians overcome some of those difficulties. Mark’s presentation culminates with a performance of the piece.

On March 10, Dr. Marni Stanley, VIU Dean of Arts and Humanities, presents Holding Space for Queerness in the Classroom. Stanley’s presentation revolves around the question: What does it mean to hold space for queerness in the classroom? She will share stories from her personal journey through life in education from a queer student to a queer teacher. Stanley has taught English and Women’s Studies at three universities and has been at VIU since 1994.

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Media Contact: 

Rachel Stern, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.618.0373l E: Rachel.Stern@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews