Public Lecture:  Music, Society and Evolution

8pm, 11 February, 2009

Melbourne Convention Centre
(Corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets)
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Music is generally held to be a universal attribute of humans but what, if any, evolutionary significance did it have? Why do we have this communication system side-by-side with language?  Is music still relevant to the welfare of our species today? In suggesting answers to these intriguing questions, Professor Alan Harvey will take you on a wide-ranging journey encompassing anthropology and archaeology, genetics, neuroscience and behaviour, brain imaging, and modern day neurotherapies. He argues that music (and with it dance) promotes the collective expression and experience of emotions and fosters social cohesion, of critical importance to our early ancestors and still important to our sense of mental well-being today.

Admission: Free

Location Map

The Melbourne Convention Centre is located on the corner of Flinders and Spencer Streets. The Melbourne Convention Centre is a short walk from Southern Cross Station or you can take tram numbers 96, 109 or 112. Click here for a printable map.