Addressing recent controversies involving musicians and artists following the incendiary protests and government repression in Venezuela this year, this seminar will explore longstanding and fundamental questions regarding political responsibility: Should artistic and educational institutions be held accountable for the actions or the opinions of sponsors and patrons – or for their silence with regard to these actions and opinions? How might artists supported by government institutions avoid becoming tools of political propaganda or accomplices in governmental actions and policies? Must an artist’s silence with regard to political controversies be interpreted as the acceptance or endorsement of a patron’s views?
David Cubek was appointed assistant professor of music and director of the Claremont Concert Orchestra by the Joint Music Program of Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges in 2010. In addition to being passionate about conducting and teaching at the college level, Cubek is a firm believer in the power of music to foster social change. During the summer months, Cubek regularly conducts ensembles from Venezuela’s acclaimed music education program known as “El Sistema.” He has also collaborated with several El Sistema-inspired programs in the United States, including Youth Orchestra of LA (YOLA), Gustavo Dudamel’s initiative committed to providing intensive music training to underserved neighborhoods in the LA area, OrckKids (Baltimore), Harmony Program (NYC), and Bravo Waterbury! (Connecticut).
Born in Venezuela, Cubek began private piano and composition lessons at the age of 7 before entering the Simon Bolivar Conservatory. In 1999, he went on to continue his education in Montreal, studying piano, music theory, and orchestral conducting at McGill University and the Conservatory of Montreal. At the latter institution he was awarded First Prize with Great Distinction in orchestral conducting. Cubek completed his doctoral studies in orchestral conducting at Northwestern University, where he served as assistant and guest conductor of the opera program, and the Chamber and Symphony Orchestras. He has been music director of the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra and a lecturer in music theory at both Northwestern and McGill. In addition, Cubek has led orchestras in Canada, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Italy.
Faculty seminars run from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
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