Purple Rain: Color as the Joy of Listening

Melody and harmony get the headlines, but color is often what we remember. This lecture dives into musical timbre: the unique character of instruments, combinations, registers, and textures that create instant mood. We’ll learn how composers “orchestrate” ideas for maximum glow, bite, warmth, and shimmer—and how to listen for color as its own kind of storytelling.

About Music 101 Lecture Series

Engage with history in this introduction to Western classical music! Led by Michael Gerdes, Director of Orchestras at San Diego State University and a longtime guest lecturer for our organization, this free, five-part public series is designed for anyone curious about the composers, works, and cultural movements that shaped the music we know and love. No prior musical background is required. Each lecture builds on the previous one, yet every session stands on its own, so you can join at any point in the series.

No tickets will be issued or required, but we kindly ask that you RSVP.