Lensic
Renée Fleming: Music and Mind
In addition to Music and Mind, Renée Fleming will perform Voice of Nature on September 26. Learn more here.
World-renowned soprano Renée Fleming is a leading advocate for studying the connections between music and neuroscience. In this fascinating discussion, Fleming is joined by a panel of experts in the fields of neuroscience, music, and health: Dr. David Baswiner, Dr. Ann Garcia, Dr. Patrice Repar, and Dr. Kevin Spencer.
Fleming’s 2024 anthology, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, curates a collection of essays from leading scientists, artists, creative arts therapists, educators, and healthcare providers about the powerful impacts of music and the arts on health and the human experience. Fleming is an advisor for major initiatives in this field, including the Sound Health Network at the University of California San Francisco and the NeuroArts Blueprint at Johns Hopkins University.
Panel Participants:
Dr. David Bashwiner
Associate Professor of Theory & Composition, University of New Mexico
David Bashwiner is an Associate Professor of Music Theory at the University of New Mexico with degrees in music theory (PhD, University of Chicago), music composition (MMus, University of Illinois), and psychology (AB, Cornell University). His doctoral dissertation, “Musical Emotion: Toward a Biologically Grounded Theory,” explored the biological foundations of emotional responses to music. His recent work has extended these explorations to the realms of multimedia and creativity.
Dr. Ann Garcia, MD
Geriatric Medicine, Christus St. Vincent
Dr. Garcia is a fellowship and board-certified doctor in Geriatric Medicine with a special interest in cognitive decline, specifically Alzheimer’s and other dementias. She is the medical director for CHRISTUS St Vincent Center for Healthy Aging.
Dr. Patrice Repar
Professor, Departments of Music and Internal Medicine
Director, Arts-in-Medicine Clinical & Healing Arts Certificate Programs, University of New Mexico
Repar’s work as a composer includes the writing of contemporary chamber music, intermedia works, electronic soundscapes, and the most recent and innovative ‘song-story’, Intricate arrangements of jazz standards for voice, piano, story, and electronics; the making of short films; the design of original instruments and installations in medical environments; and the exploration of health and healing through the arts.
Kevin Spencer, Ph.D.
Director, Center 4 Creative Arts
Dr. Kevin Spencer is an award-winning illusionist, educator, and researcher specializing in the therapeutic and educational applications of simple magic tricks. After a successful 30-year career in theatrical illusion, he shifted focus to using magic to empower individuals with disabilities and trauma histories. Holding advanced degrees in education and certificates in neuropsychology, autism, and trauma support, his research has been published in leading journals and featured in major media outlets. Recognized for his contributions, he has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Visionary Educator of the Year. Dr. Spencer also holds prestigious academic and advisory roles, continuing to inspire through the intersection of art, education, and health.
Event Sponsor: Gina Browning and Joe Illick in memory of Jinny Browning
Tickets: $12
Season Sponsors
Season Media Sponsor
Season Support
