Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning salutes 51st year with new expert lecture series

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·3 min read
Acclaimed tenor Matthew Vickers, who has performed throughout the U.S. and with Sarasota Opera, is among the participants in the 51st season of the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning.
Acclaimed tenor Matthew Vickers, who has performed throughout the U.S. and with Sarasota Opera, is among the participants in the 51st season of the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning.

Auto pioneer Henry Ford said, “Anyone who stops learning is old.” Apple founder Steve Jobs said there’s always "one more thing" to learn.” Indeed there is.

The Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning, a volunteer-run, locally based nonprofit, is celebrating its 51st year with several expert lecture series that run through April 7 in Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Lakewood Ranch, and also online and on video.

Since its founding in 1972, SILL has evolved into an organization that focuses on two topics, music and global issues, bringing some of the world’s leading authorities to adult learners.

“Every year, our committees work diligently to assemble a slate of performers and speakers, many from other nations, who are at the top of their games,” said Beth Cotner, president of the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning.

The lecture series includes “Music Mondays: Musical Conversations with Great Performers,” which runs for 12 Mondays in Sarasota and Venice. The lineup includes Dutch musician Thorwald Jørgensen, among the leading classical theremin players in the world; acclaimed tenor Matthew Vickers, who has performed in opera houses throughout the U.S. and with Sarasota Opera; and Mary Jo Heath, longtime commentator for the Metropolitan Opera radio programs and HD presentations.

“The Global Issues Series, an Insider’s Views of Today’s World,” which includes 24 speakers, is offered in Sarasota on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; in Venice on Tuesdays and Fridays; in Lakewood Ranch on Thursdays; and on Longboat Key once a week on video.

“We chose speakers who will present nonpartisan, expert-based, factual programs covering a broad overview of topics in our complex world,” Cotner said. “Our 2022 speakers include first-time SILL guests Peter Bergen, speaking about domestic terrorism; Peter Singer on the weaponizing of social media; and Angela Stent on Russia."

Bergen is an international authority on domestic terrorism. Singer is a bestselling New York Times author and one of Smithsonian’s 100 leading U.S. innovators. Stent is a foreign policy expert specializing in U.S. and European relations with Russia.

Among returning speakers are Baroness Margaret Jay of Paddington, discussing how COVID has forced people into a more virtual world; Martin Walker with his overview of the EU; Mark Lowenthal on current issues in U.S. intelligence; and Dennis Ross on matters in the Middle East.

In-person, streamed, and VOD

Until COVID, SILL typically presented its lectures and performances to over 35,000 in-person participants annually during its annual three-month season. This led SILL to broaden its method of delivery to include hybrid subscriptions: in-person, streamed, and video on demand (VOD). SILL also broadcasts into several assisted living venues in the community. Most lectures are 40-50 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of audience questions.

Subscriptions are $85 for each 12-lecture series and each of the three VOD series. Single lecture tickets are available at the door for $10.

For a complete schedule of the speakers, visit sillsarasota.org and click on the icons for Global Issues and Music Mondays. For information about locations, fees, and seating policy, click on the link About SILL, then General Information. Information is also available at 941-365-6404.

The Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning is guided by an all-volunteer board.

Submitted by Jo Morello

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning celebrating 51st year