Art and Mind
presents
Language, Poetry and the Brain
A one day exploration of the springs of poetry
22nd October 2005
Theatre Royal Winchester
To be introduced on stage and co-ordinated by the poet
Ruth Valentine.
Starting with the fundamental musical and linguistic structures of the brain this Festival will explore the evolution of language into consciousness and the flowering of poetry and music in human cultures. This one-day event, through live talks and performance, will present a unique combination of science and art that we hope we will illuminate poetic creation. With poets, musicians and scientists working together we believe we may open doors onto a new perception of the deep wellsprings poetry.
Garry Kennard
Director – Art and Mind
Programme
Each session will include a time for questions from the audience
Session One
The Evolution of Language
11.30am – 12.15
Perceiving and Producing Music and Language: A Neuroscientific View.
A discussion of the current understanding of the brain basis of singing, speaking, music listening, language understanding, and music and language improvisation.
Professor Larry Parsons, University of Sheffield
Professor Parsons has presented lectures all over the world on language/music and the brain topics.
12.15 – 1.15pm
The Archaeology of the Mind
A look at how language and music co-evolved during human evolution, and relate to the emergence of consciousness and culture
Professor Steven Mithen, University of Reading
Professor Mithen’s books include ‘The Prehistory of the Mind’ (1996). His latest publication is ‘The Singing Neanderthals: The Origins of Music, Language, Mind and Body’.
1.15pm – 2.30 Lunch
Session Two
Words and Music
2.30 – 3.30
Music – A Language too Precise for Words
An exploration of musical ‘language’
Professor Paul Robertson
This great violinist, who presented the TV series ‘Music and the Mind’ has a particular interest in how music makes its effects on the brain.
4.00 – 5.00
Is Language a Kind of Music?
Language and musicality in babies.
Professor Bob Turner, University College London
5.00 – 7.00 pm Supper break
Session Three
The Rhythms of Life
7.00 – 7.30
Performance of new works by participants in the previous week’s workshops. Hosted by our in house poets.
8.00 – 8.45
Words
The rhythms and sound of poetry –
A distinguished poet discusses her work
Ruth Padel
Renowned poet and scholar Ruth Padel’s latest book is ‘Tigers in Red Weather’.
9.00 – 10.00
Together
Ruth Padel performs her own poetry
with
Matthew Barley and his group
‘Between the Notes’
who will explore, and add their own associations to, the music of these wonderful poems: witness a new work in the making.
Cellist Matthew Barley with his ensemble ‘Between the Notes’ has performed around the world in an astonishing variety of collaborations as well as performing as a solo artist.