Collect, Protect, Connect: Documenting the Voices of Vanishing Worlds - Dr Mark Turin

An impassioned call for the preservation of endangered languages and their cultures, through Dr Mark Turin's own experience of preserving and revitalising the Thangmi language in Nepal.

An Introduction to Rare and Endangered Languages - Professor Tim Connell

An introduction to the field of endangered languages, with special focus on language policy, language ecology and language revival.

From Trocadero to Troxy: A tradition returns - John Abson and Richard Hills

Wurlitzer organs and the history of London music halls: the story of the Britain's largest cinema organ from 1930 through to the present day.

Mahler: My Time Will Come - Chamber Domaine

A concert proceeded by a talk investigating the influence of Mahler on contemporary composers such as Henryk Gorecki.

Mahler's London - Keith James Clarke

The story of Gustav Mahler’s one and only visit to London in 1892.

Mahler's Heavenly Retreats - Keith James Clarke

Exactly 100 years from the day of his death, this lecture looks at the summer houses where Mahler composed his greatest works.

From Printed Page to Performance - Professor Christopher Hogwood, Dame Emma Kirkby and Jakob Lindberg

A discussion with musical examples, on the importance of musical ‘tradition’ and the idea of ‘authentic’ performance, between Christopher Hogwood, Dame Emma Kirkby and lutenist Jakob Linberg.

Mahler, The Prodigy And Hollywood - Chamber Domaine

A concert proceeded by a talk investigating the influence of Mahler on Korngold and others.

Celebrating the Past: Treasures from the RCM Collection - Dr Ingrid Pearson

A talk on one of the world’s most important historical musical collections, housed at the Royal College of Music, London.

London at Night: Spirituality and the Dark Side - Revd Nicholas Holtam

The Vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields explains the work of, and the challenges for, a central London church at night.

From Composer to Printed Page - Professor Christopher Hogwood

When even the language of musical notation is both inexact and changeable, what are the challenges that face musical understanding across time?

Understanding Faith Through the Eyes of Stanley Spencer - The Rt Revd Lord Harries

A look at the unique vision and Christian love of Stanley Spencer.

The Resurrection In Art - The Rt Revd Lord Richard Harries

This is the most difficult of all Christian themes to convey in visible form and the early church approached it with proper reticence. Whilst the Western Church developed an over-literalistic image, the Orthodox Church gave it a powerful symbolic rendering. The 20th century, with its massive suffering, found this hopeful theme particularly problematic.

The Authenticity Of Genius - Professor Christopher Hogwood

A lecture and performance demonstrating the unique genius of Felix Mendelssohn.

Mahler and Strauss - Chamber Domaine

A performance of music by Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss, proceeded by a pre-concert talk on the relationship between Mahler and Strauss.

Fakes, Completions and the Art of Borrowing - Professor Christopher Hogwood

The surprising story of the ‘borrowing’ behind the music of Mozart, Handel and others.

The Passion in Art - The Rt Revd Lord Richard Harries

Why did it take early Christians decades before they depicted Jesus on the Cross? How has it been adapted and used since?

Mahler and Schoenberg - Chamber Domaine

A performance of music by Mahler, Schoenberg and Alban Berg, proceeded by a pre-concert talk about Mahler's connection and influence on the Second Viennese School.

The Nativity in Art - Rt Revd Lord Richard Harries

This is one of the richest themes in art, showing an amazing development of associated ideas and images right up to the 21st century.

'Who Am I?': Self and Consciousness - Professor Chakravarthi Ram

Is consciousness the key to understanding the self, both as a philosophical concept and as interpreted in Classical Hindu and Buddhist thought?

'Who Am I?': The Dialogical Self - Dr Brian Black

The self as it appears in Classical Hindu and Buddhist thought.

St. Cecilia and Music: True or False? - Professor Christopher Hogwood

A lecture, on St. Cecilia’s Day, looking at the basis and influence of the patron saint of music.

Mahler and the World of Yesterday - Chamber Domaine

A performance of music by Mahler, Brahms and Webern, proceeded by a pre-concert talk on Mahler and the Vienna of his day.

Jesus in Art - Professor Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries

A cultural overview of images of Jesus, from his early depictions as a beardless Roman youth to the modern day.

The Past is a Foreign Country - Professor Christopher Hogwood

From manuscript to performance, Christopher Hogwood takes a look at the journey of music from composer to audience.

Words and Pictures: Mixed Encounters - Dr Jenny Uglow

A lecture on the connection between writers and their illustrators.

The First Christian Art and its Early Developments - Rt Revd Lord Richard Harries

An illustrated lecture on the art in the catacombs of Rome and what developed from there.

The Art of Illustration: Millais, the Pre-Raphaelites and the Idyllic School - Paul Goldman

A lecture on the illustrative art of 19th Century British artists.

Satire, print shops and comic illustration in late 18th and 19th century London - Mark Bills

The story of visual satire in London, a city in which caricature flourished like no other.

The German revolution in English organ technology - Robert Quinney with Robert Smith

A lecture and recital taking a closer look at “one of the ten most important organs in the history of British organ building”.

The History of British Cartoons and Caricature - Lord Kenneth Baker

A quick survey through the history of British satirical drawing with a political subject.

A 'Sing In' with Gilbert and Sullivan - Professor Robin Wilson

A swift survey through the musical partnership of Gilbert & Sullivan, with live musical performance.

Catholics versus Protestants: How liturgy affected the development of the organ - Richard Towend

A lecture and recital taking a closer look at “one of the finest classical organs in Britain”.

Beethoven: String Quartet Op 95 in F minor - Professor Roger Parker and The Badke Quartet

A lecture and performance of this Beethoven string quartet.

Mozart: String Quartet K 499 in D major - Professor Roger Parker and the Badke Quartet

A lecture and performance of the Mozart "Hoffmeister" quartet, a piece that demonstrates Mozart's ever-expanding musical vision, in particular in his explorations of counterpoint and in the detailed filigree of the Haydn-influenced slow movement.

Mozart: String Quartet K 421 in D minor - Roger Parker and the Badke Quartet

A lecture and performance of this so-called "Haydn" quartet. The fruit of "long and arduous work", this quartet reverses the usual quartet practice, with a lyrical, song-like opening that then breaks down into instability as the movement progresses.

Eric Satie's Musical and Personal Logic - Professor Robert Orledge

A lecture on the enigma of Eric Satie, the composer of both some of the lightest and simplest but also some of the most avant-garde of early 20th century music.

Joseph Haydn: String Quartet Op 76 No 5 in D major - Professor Roger Parker and the Badke Quartet

A lecture and performance of this Haydn string quartet, one of the most experimental and unusual of all of Haydn's work.

Monet: The River of Dreams - Professor John House

Why was Claude Monet repeatedly attracted back to the foggy and overpopulated urban capital of London when his impressionist work was otherwise so concerned with light and nature? What was London like in that period between 1870and 1901, and what was Monet's time there like?

Religious and national identities - The Rt Revd Lord Richard Harries

In a multi-cultural, multi-religious world identity has become a key issue, one with the potential for tension and conflict. Christians find their identity 'In Christ'. How does this affect and shape the modern debate?

Canaletto: Grand Designs - Martin Gayford

In 1746 the great Venetian artist, Canaletto, moved to London following the market and wealth for his work. Nine years later, he left the city attacked by the critics as repetitive and a fake. What was 18th Century London like to be the centre of such hope and disappointment? How did Canaletto feel about the city, and how are we to assess these views today?

Foreign Artists working in London 1500-1520 - Dr Tarnya Cooper

The 16th Century was a great period for foreign artists in London. The capital saw such great artists as the German, Hans Holbein, and Netherlandish artists such as Hans Eworth and William Scrouts.

Psychologising and Neurologising about Religion: Facts, Fallacies and the Future - Professor Malcolm Jeeves

Can there be a neurological basis to religion and religious experience? - A review of the modern findings of neurology and psychology to see how they impinge on the question of faith.

Christianity and Public Life: Law and Morality - Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries

Can we recover a moral and religious vision for our legal system?

Joseph Haydn: String Quartet Op 76 No 2 in D minor - Professor Roger Parker and The Badke Quartet

A lecture and performance of Haydn's second Op. 76 string quartet, part of what is generally recognised as the pinnacle of Haydn's writing for string quartet.

Joseph Haydn: String Quartet Op 76 No 1 in G major - Professor Roger Parker and The Badke Quartet

A lecture and performance of Haydn's first Op. 76 string quartet. A piece grandiose and symphonic in breadth and construction, it is a fitting opening to what are generally recognised as the pinnacle of Haydn's writing for string quartet.

Britten and Auden: Inventive Days, inebriated nights - Chamber Domaine

A performance and talk looking at the creative partnership and great friendship between W H Auden and Benjamin Britten, focussing on their stay in 7 Middagh Street in Brooklyn Heights during World War Two.

Does God believe in Human Rights? - Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries

Do human rights have a sound theological basis? Sometimes it seems religions give the impression that God is indifferent to them. This challenge needs to be faced in order to find a firm foundation for rights.

What makes us think that God wants Democracy? - Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries

Is Christianity democratic? How close is the history of the development of democracy and Christianity?

The Institutionalisation of the Arts in Early Victorian England - Charles Suamarez Smith

Queen Victorian and Prince Albert revolutionised the place of art in British society, and we are still living in their wake. This lecture offers a cultural and historical overview of this seismic shift in art's place in society.

Liberty, Equality and Human Community - The Rt Revd Lord Harries

Since the 18th century the three great political values have been liberty, equality and human community. They are sometimes thought of only in secular terms. In fact they have deep Christian roots and there is a distinctive Christian understanding of what they imply for our society.

Speaking for God in a Secular Society - The Rt Revd Lord Richard Harries

People say we live in a secular society, but do we? If by secular society is meant a set of political arrangements that are neutral as far as religion is concerned, is this desirable? If it is, how should Christians seek to address it?

The Faces of a King: New research on portraits of Henry VIII - Dr Tarnya Cooper

The context of royal portraiture in its early evolution.

Burns the European - Iain Burnside

A look at Robert Burns and his connections to Europe and its greatest composers.

Musical Morals and Moral Music: The artist and the environment - Sir Peter Maxwell-Davies

The Master of the Queen's Music considers the position of the artist in the modern world.

Out of the Wasteland: Hope for a greener world - Dr Richard Chartres

The Bishop of London addresses the facts and statistics of waste set against the poetic London backdrop of T. S. Eliot's The Waste Land, to offer a holistic vision for a sustainable future.

The Idea of the North - Professor Peter Davidson

What is 'North'? - The various images and ideas we have of this concept.

Film Music: A certain train station - Professor Roger Parker

A look at the music of David Lean's 1945 film 'A Brief Encounter'.

Should governments promote happiness? - Lord Layard

Rethinking government and economics: thinking about happiness, not income.

Living with Diverse Beliefs - Professor Gwen Griffiths-Dickson

A discussion of how we should think of and deal with conflicting and aggressive fundamentalist beliefs.

Haydn in London: Papa Haydn or genial revolutionary? - Chamber Domaine

This concert looks at Haydn's posthumous reception and his influences on the other composers. Pieces performed include works by Stravinsky, George Benjamin and Haydn.

Film Music: A musical interlude - Professor Roger Parker

Jane Campion's 1993 film The Piano depicted the mute heroine Ada as a pianist who mostly expresses herself through music: Michael Nyman's score thus becomes a central feature of the film's narrative, although perhaps not always in ways that Campion may have intended.

Christianity and Literature: The paradoxes of R S Thomas - Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries

R S Thomas had a reputation for writing verse expressing a very bleak view of life, and being a dour and unsociable man. In fact some of his poems have a remarkable tender, lyrical quality and new evidence about his life reveals a man of great wit and warmth. The lecture will explore these paradoxes.

Film Music: Opera - Professor Roger Parker

What happens when opera meets film? This lecture will consider some of the ways in which operatic events have been used in film narrative, but mostly it will look at various 'classic' attempts to make opera films, including Ingmar Bergman's The Magic Flute and Francesco Rosi's Carmen.

Light from the Orkneys: Edwin Muir and George Mackay Brown - Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries

The Orkneys produced two remarkable 20th century poets, for both of whom the Christian faith became central in the course of their adult lives. This lecture looks at the special features of their faith as it is reflected in their poetry.

Misusing Darwin: The Materialist Conspiracy in Evolutionary Biology - Professor Keith Ward

Many scientists, especially evolutionary biologists, have introduced materialism into science. But this is neither entailed nor justified. What are the results of this confusion for science, and for religion?

Haydn in London: The place to be seen and heard - Chamber Domaine

This concert will explore Haydn's visit to London and recreate the type of programme what would have been heard at the legendary Salomon Concerts in Hanover Square.

The Christian reticence of W H Auden - Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries

A lecture to re-assess the Christian elements that suffused the later works of Auden but which is virtually ignored by critics. This lecture will explore the subtle ways in which Auden's faith emerges in his poetry and what was distinctive about it.

Haydn in London: The Revolutionary Drawing Room - Chamber Domaine

A concert and talk to look at 18th century music making and the demand for chamber music to be performed in the home. Music performed includes Haydn, Mozart and Dussek.

Henryk Gorecki - Professor Adrian Thomas and Chamber Domaine

A lecture and concert to mark the 75th birthday of Polish composer Henryk Górecki, including a number of chamber works and even some Premiere's of Poland's greatest contemporary composer.

The Challenge of Atheist Literature: Beckett, Pullman and McEwan - Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries

Some works of literature today are written from a consciously atheistic point of view. What might a person of faith learn from them? What critique might faith offer?

Film Music: The Western - Professor Roger Parker

The Western is closely associated with film from its earliest days, and in the 1950s and 1960s some of the most innovative Westerns were made newly complex by their use of music. This lecture will concentrate in particular on Fred Zinnemann's High Noon (music by Dmitri Tiomkin) and John Ford's The Searchers (music by Max Steiner).

Christianity and Literature: Are happy endings real? - Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries

After the horrors of the 20th century we would be justified is our suspicions of the possibility of happy endings. This is an issue both for novelists and Christians as it presses in a particular way upon those who wish to tell the Christian story of resurrection and ultimate redemption.

High Politics and Hellfire: William Hogarth’s portrait of Francis Dashwood - Robin Simon

The story of Hogarth's involvement with and portrait of the infamous rake (and Chancellor of the Exchequer), Sir Francis Dashwood was the founder of the Hellfire Club whose avowed flouting of all moral and sexual decency and the deliberate offending of religion brought about inevitable public outcry.

Film Music: Hitchcock's Psycho - Professor Roger Parker

Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 masterpiece and its difficult, modernist score written by Bernard Herrmann. It is almost impossible to imagine the famous 'shower scene' without Herrmann's contribution, but the scene was initially imagined by Hitchcock to be without music. In this and other scenes, there are interesting ways in which the music poses questions about the film's meaning: questions that may even go beyond Hitchcock's famously all-encompassing intentions.

Haydn in London: The Enlightenment and Revolution - Chamber Domaine

A concert and talk focussing on the evolution of Haydn's style and exploring the influence of the Enlightenment and the tumultuous social and cultural changes that were taken place in Europe during his lifetime.

Is literature essential to religion? - Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries

Conflict or enrichment: what is the relationship between religion and literature? This lecture will explore the various ways in which literature enriches and deepens a religious view of life. At the same time it will suggest that literature itself might be open to a critique from the outside.

An Introduction to Film Music - Professor Roger Parker

A brief history of the introduction of music to films. Particular example will be made of Max Steiner's score for King Kong.

Mendelssohn: String Quartet in A minor, Op 13 - Professor Roger Parker and The Badke Quartet

A lecture followed by a performance of this string quartet by Mendelssohn.

The Question of Beauty in Architecture - Alain de Botton

Can buildings be 'beautiful'? In the same way as a human face or a piece of music? - Alain de Botton, writer, broadcaster and producer, ponders the question of beauty and its application to architecture.

Goethe the Musician and his influence on German Song - Professor Richard Stokes

Goethe, Germany's greatest poet, seemed to have perfectly attuned artistic sensibilities, but he failed to see the genius of Schubert and his settings of his poems - how?

Other Side of Sullivan - Professor Robin Wilson

The life and work of Arthur Sullivan - much more than just the musical half of the Gilbert & Sullivan Operas.

Trading Identites: The image of the merchant - Dr Joanna Woodall

What was a merchant in 16th Century Europe, and what position did he hold? Using three portraits by Mor, which depict English merchants in 16th Century Antwerp, we can learn. At the centre of this story is Sir Thomas Gresham, founder of Gresham College.

Early Christianity & Today: Some shared questions - The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury

The archbishop of Canterbury discusses and dissolves the assumptions and accusations that the early Christian Church often has to face. It will emerge that there is a great deal that we can learn from the early Christians.

Broadside Ballads of 17th Century England - Lucie Skeaping

An exploration of the social context of the ballads, their appearance, language, selling methods and the origins of the tunes to which they were sung. The lecture will combine history, projected images and musical examples (performed to lute and cittern).

Making Art in Tudor Britain - Dr Tarnya Cooper

An exploration of the environment in which art was produced in Tudor Britain, and an investigation of what lessons we may learn about the period through this art.

Beethoven: String Quartet Op 95 in F minor - Professor Roger Parker and The Badke Quartet

A lecture followed by a performance of this string quartet by Ludwig van Beethoven.

Countering Extremism and the Politics of 'Engagement' - Professor Gwen Griffith-Dickson

A survey of the range of government responses to extremism and terrorism. What are the different ideologies' at work in government thinking about engaging with Muslims? What impact are these contrasting approaches likely to have?

The Avant Garde - Chamber Domaine

A performance of contemporary British avant garde music, including pieces by Judith Weir, George Benjamin, John Woolrich and David Horne. This is proceeded by a discussion between Jane Manning, a soprano at the forefront of contemporary music, and David Horne, one of Britain's leading composers.

Haydn: Quartet in F minor, Op 20, No 5 - Professor Roger Parker

A lecture followed by a performance of this string quartet by Joseph Haydn.

Materialism and its Discontents - Professor Keith Ward

The problem of verification and the nature of religious language. The problem of consciousness, and the unexpected revival of Platonism in mathematical physics. Is consciousness an illusion? Or is matter a myth? Is God philosophically respectable again?

The Triumph of Idealism - Professor Keith Ward

Unpicking the the common misunderstanding of Immanuel Kant, focussing on the three key ideas which effect theology: that Kant undermined and made impossible metaphysics, that he made morality autonomous and separate from beliefs about God or the nature of the world, and that he showed that there could not be any argument for the existence of God.

Two Paintings and a Sceptic - Lord Stewart Sutherland

A discussion of works by El Greco and Picasso, and what they can tell us about faith and the human condition.

The Empiricist Turn - Professor Keith Ward

Hume and the grounding of knowledge in human experience. The conflict of reason and common sense. Hume was wrong about science - was he wrong about religion too?

Britten and Bridge - Chamber Domaine

A lecture followed by a performance focussing on the music of Benjamin Britten and Frank Bridge.

Debussy: Quartet in G minor, Op 10 - Professor Roger Parker and The Badke Quartet

A lecture followed by a performance of this string quartet by Debussy.

Psychologising and Neurologising about Religion - Professor Malcolm Jeeves

Dividing the facts from the fallacies: what can the latest research in neurology tell us about religion and religious experience?