Published: October 3, 2018
The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) and the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) are partnering next week to examine whether music and aging-related hearing loss can go together. This engaging multidisciplinary talk will feature the music of Beethoven, and explore how his life evolved due to his own struggles with deafness.
Music and Hearing Loss: Can they go together? will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Public Library (Central Location, Hamilton Room, 55 York Blvd). It is second in a public series developed by MIRA and the HPO, in collaboration with the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind (MIMM) and the Hamilton Public Library (HPL), to explore synergies between aging and music.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the HPO, which allows us to share research insights on topics of interest members of the community while working alongside an organization with a long history of engagement with older adults,” said Laura Harrington, Managing Director of MIRA.
Guests will be treated over the lunch hour to musical performances by HPO’s String Quartet and a joint presentation by HPOs Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte and Dr. Dan Bosnyak, Technical Director from McMaster’s LIVELab
“Beethoven’s world became increasingly isolated throughout his life, but, through this, his music gained an unparalleled freedom and originality. On October 9th, guests will learn about the different stages of Beethoven’s life and hearing loss, paired with the transcendent music he wrote during these times,” said Richardson-Schulte. Bosnyak, a McMaster University scientist who studies age-related hearing loss, tinnitus, and hearing aid technology, will present a scientific perspective on why hearing loss occurs and how musical listening is impacted by this loss.
MIRA is committed to sharing groundbreaking research and educational initiatives in aging at McMaster University with members of the community through public events such as this, as well as through public platforms, like the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but is strongly encouraged as space is limited. Register online at musicandhearing.eventbrite.ca.
