december session
Legendary Music from St. Petersburg — Russia!
Marie Jureit, D.M.A., Charles Stewart Harding Mott Distinguished Professor of Music
What a wonderful opportunity to focus on one of the world’s greatest centers of the arts — the Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music! While here in our own St. Petersburg, travel through time and space to Russia and discover the extraordinary contribution of a group of progressive 19th-century musicians that has produced some of the world’s greatest composers and performers. For 150 years this center has also attracted great artists to Russia to study and perform, dating back to the days of Beethoven, Liszt, and Berlioz. Except for the war years, St. Petersburg has continuously shaped some our most loved music through such great composers as Tchaikovsky, Rubinstein, Glazunov, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich. The legendary Russian school of musicians has produced generations of the world’s greatest performers, including Heifetz, Zimbalist, Rachmaninoff, Yansons, Sokolov as well as one of the most sought-after conductors of today, the sensational Valery Gergiev. Come experience the magic, fire, and soul of this extraordinary birthplace of Russian music.
Walking on the Seas
(Ever So Gently)
Preston Larimer, Upper School natural sciences teacher
Man’s God-given dominion over all those creatures comes with responsibility and opportunity. Here by the rich waters of Tampa Bay, take a close look at the habits and habitats of manatees, sea turtles, and more. Gain a clearer understanding of the preservation of biodiversity-sustainable fisheries, including responsible seafood dining. Learn about what is being done and what is successful — or not. Illustrated lectures indoors will be supplemented by a small group hands-on experience out in the bay. Bring your curiosity, your appreciation for the beauty of sea creatures, and your love for the planet.
“Unto Us a Son Is Given”
Kristy Christian, M.A.R., visiting Bible scholar
What is the true spirit of Christmas? As Christian Scientists, we know that studying the Bible narratives of Jesus’ birth can help us gain a clearer understanding of the spiritual meaning of “God’s great gift.”* This short course will delve into those familiar stories and offer some fresh ideas on how we might approach this festive season — with all its colorful distractions — to find a deeper understanding of why, in Mary Baker Eddy’s words, “nothing material belongs to it.”*
* See The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, pp. 262 and 260.
