BRANDON, Man. – An expert in the relationship between multiculturalism and arts funding is visiting Brandon University (BU) this semester.
The BU School of Music is hosting Dr. Parmela Attariwala as this year’s Stanley Knowles Distinguished Visiting Professor. Dr. Attariwala will conduct three free public lectures at BU in conjunction with the Institute for Research in Music and Community (IRMC) and will teach a course in the School of Music. Also an accomplished violinist/violist and composer, she will perform on March 26 as part of the BU New Music Festival.
“Dr. Attariwala is a leading authority on Canadian cultural policy as it relates to multi-culturalism and arts funding,” said Greg Gatien, Dean of Music at BU. “While in residence here at Brandon University, her teaching, research collaborations, public performances and lectures should provide significant opportunities to consider the evolution of both our musical community and our curriculum.”
Dr. Attariwala’s first public lecture, The Effects of Multiculturalism on Publicly Funded Canadian Music, will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m., in the R.D. Bell Hall of the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building. She will also speak on Tuesday, Feb. 7 and on Tuesday, March 21.
“The Institute for Research in Music and Community is about music-making in its’ infinite array of styles and how we as performers, composers, listeners and scholars share sounds and ideas with each other,” said Dr. T. Patrick Carrabré, Director of the IRMC. “Dr. Attariwala creates and performs across an incredible range of genres, from classical and avant-garde to fiddling, free improvisation and rock. She is also one of the most thoughtful commentators on how public policy impacts the types of music we get to hear. The IRMC is honoured to have her with us this semester and host her public lectures.”
Dr. Attariwala continues to perform with large and small ensembles (recently Esprit Orchestra, Hamilton Philharmonic, National Ballet Orchestra, Ensemble Vivant and the Attar Project), and conducts Toronto-area research dedicated to equity and pedagogy (improvisation and pedagogy, music teaching and student engagement). She teaches high school age students privately and older students at York University. She is also a dedicated teacher at the Regent Park School of Music, one of Toronto’s most progressive music institutions for economically disadvantaged children, where she teaches violin, viola and fiddle. Dr. Attariwala has released three albums and toured across Canada, India, Sri Lanka and South Africa. More information about Dr. Attariwala is available at parmela.com.
The IRMC was founded last year at BU to study how musical communities develop and evolve. The Stanley Knowles Visiting Professorships are rotated among BU’s faculties and the School of Music, bringing scholars recognized internationally for their work in public policy and Canadian content to the university.
Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, and educates students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.
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