The human voice has been at the heart of musical expression for centuries, capable of conveying profound emotion across cultures and genres. In this free lecture for music lovers of all backgrounds, Dr. Dean Southern, voice professor and Dean at the Cleveland Institute of Music, traces the role of the voice through history as a solo instrument, in ensemble and operatic traditions, and in modern popular music. Presented as part of the Asheville Symphony’s 2026 Artist Residency and in collaboration with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC-Asheville, this conversation will illuminate how the voice has shaped musical expression across centuries and cultures.

This event is free and open to the public