The International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI) and the University of Guelph Department of History are excited to present historian Eric Fillion. A part of IICSI’s “Thinking Spaces” speaker series, Fillion will showcase his groundbreaking research between 2:30-4 p.m. on March 12 in MacKinnon Building Room 308. A listening session led by Fillion will follow from 4:15 – 5:30 p.m. These events are open to the public and free of charge.

Fillion’s presentation, entitled “Jazz Libre: The Musical-Political Praxis of the Quebec Left,” will explore the work of Jazz Libre, a musical collective formed in 1967 that sought to transform Quebec society in the wake of the Quiet Revolution. During its eight years of existence, Jazz Libre encouraged students, artists, political activists and working families to participate in the liberating experience of free jazz.

A postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, Fillion has published his research into this distinct moment in Canadian history in his book JAZZ LIBRE et la révolution Québécoise. For this particular research presentation, Fillion has also curated a collection of songs and sounds to complement his talk—a fitting decision for this self-described “instinctive sound archivist, forever eavesdropping on the past.”

Fillion’s presentation is part of the 14th annual Creative Music Symposium (March 9-13), a series of performances, lectures, and forums presented by the Music Students’ Association in the School of Fine Art and Music at the U of G. Taking place across campus and at Silence (46 Essex Street), this year’s symposium focuses on wellness and the future of music.

The keynote for this year’s symposium, presented by Prof. Marta McCarthy, is entitled “Wellness for Musicians in Six Songs.” Other events include a Music Vocational Fair, a workshop on Music Therapy by practicing music therapist Mary Parkinson, and several presentations from graduate students in the Critical Studies in Improvisation graduate programs. The full schedule for the Creative Music Symposium can be found online.

More information about Eric Fillion’s presentation and listening session can be found on the IICSI’s website.