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ProgramDownload PDF of What Makes Us Human Conference 2008 Program Monday, April 288:00 - 8:30 a.m. 8:30 - 10:15 How did the simple human origins of our complex social structures, cultures, laws and politics develop through time and space into what we know today, and how do human origins differ from what we find in other species? 10:15 - 10:30
10:30 - 12:15
Man's unique propensity for quest and the desire to communicate has pushed beyond meeting the basic needs and has enabled artists, scientists and explorers to seek out more. As this instinct is exercised, civilization thrives; as this instinct atrophies, it declines. What lies ahead for the human race?
12:15 - 1:15
1:15 - 3:00
Despite our lengthy climb from self-centered barbarism and inhumanity to apparent civilization and altruism, the horrors of holocaust, genocide and ethnic cleansing continue today. The human capacity for unthinkable evil lurks deep within; yet paradoxically, so do our philanthropic predilections.
3:00 - 3:15
3:15 - 5:00
Humans seem to have an innate need to believe in something greater than themselves. Our metaphysical yearnings are not contained or even explained by science. Through religion, mankind seeks the causes of the effects; the reasons; the meaning in life.
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. This optional buffet reception in the Grand Foyer of the Museum of Natural History will give presenters and a limited number of conference attendees the opportunity to converse over dinner and a glass of Hook & Ladder wine while listening to an outstanding ensemble of young jazz musicians from The Colburn School. Tuesday, April 298:00 - 8:30 a.m.
8:30 - 10:15 Humor and emotion are closely related and an integral part of what makes us human. But are they both unique to the human experience? How do the human mind and brain process humor and emotion, and why do we laugh and cry?
10:15 - 10:30
10:30 - 12:15 Art, music, literature, even the preparation of food: are aesthetic behaviors found exclusively in the realm of humans? Are human creative activities influenced by constraints of perception and cognition, or are creative activities dictated by one's cultural milieu?
12:15 - 1:15
1:15 - 3:00 Humans may be classified as animals and may share similar genes, yet there are important fundamental differences. One may look at the complexity of the human brain's cerebral cortex and another may look at the adaptability of brains and minds as what sets us apart as humans. The tools of modern neuroscience have opened grand new vistas in this field.
3:00 - 3:15
3:15 - 4:00
4:00 - 4:30
4:30 - 5:00 Pianist MAKIKO HIRATA's professional activities have extended throughout North and South America, her native Japan, and Europe. At the age of seventeen, she was selected to tour with the National Symphony Orchestra of Bolivia, performing the Rachmaninoff Second Piano Concerto. In December 1998, her official New York City debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall was received with a standing ovation. She has toured throughout United States and Europe as the featured soloist with Pecs Hungarian Symphony Orchestra, with conductor Zsolt Hamar, and Phillpe de Chalendar, Polish Philharmonic Resovia with conductor Tadeusz Wojciechowski, and Arad State Philharmonia from Romania with conductor Dorin Frandes Also a sought-after chamber musician, she has collaborated with cellist Andre Emelianoff, clarinetist David Krakauer, pianist Sara Davis Buechner, and many others. She makes regular guest appearances in chamber music series such as Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players and Concerts in the Heights, in New York City. She taught piano and music theory at New York University for two years. She has given Master Classes, lecture recitals, and young people's concerts throughout United States and Japan. Ms. Hirata is currently working toward her Artist Diploma under John Perry at the Colburn Conservatory of Music. Born in Shanghai, China, cellist YINA TONG is currently a student of Ronald Leonard at the Colburn Conservatory of Music, where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree. When she was 12 years old, she played for Mstislav Rostropovich, who inspired her to seek mastery of the cello. Since then, she has been 3rd in both the Stulberg International String Competition and the Kingsville International Competition. She recently won the first prize at the Peninsula Edith Knox Competition. Additionally, she has won numerous awards including top honors at the Canadian National Music Festival. She has also been a guest soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic and the Shanghai Opera Orchestra. Previously, she was principal cellist of the Calgary Youth Orchestra and has participated in numerous festivals, including Itzhak Perlman's Music Program, Morningside Music Bridge, and the Young Artist Program in Ottawa. |
