Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning Begins 51st Year

January 14, 2022 – Sarasota

Since its founding in 1972, SILL has evolved into an organization that focuses on just two topics, music and global issues, bringing some of the world’s leading authorities in these areas to enthusiastic adult learners. “Every year, our committees work diligently to assemble a slate of performers and speakers, many from other nations, who are at the top of their games,” Cotner said. For a complete schedule of the speakers in the various series, visit sillsarasota.org and click on the icons for Global Issues and Music Mondays. 

“Music Mondays: Musical Conversations with Great Performers” presents 12 performers in its weekly series, which runs for 12 Mondays in Sarasota and Venice. Chairperson Joe Holt said the schedule includes, among others, Dutch musician Thorwald Jørgensen, considered among the leading classical theremin players in the world; acclaimed tenor Matthew Vickers, who has performed in opera houses throughout the US and with Sarasota Opera; and Mary Jo Heath, longtime commentator for the Metropolitan Opera radio programs and HD presentations. 

“The Global Issues Series, an Insider’s Views of Today’s World,” which includes 24 speakers, is offered in Sarasota on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; in Venice on Tuesdays and Fridays; in Lakewood Ranch on Thursdays; and on Longboat Key once a week on a delayed video. 

“We chose Global Issues speakers who will present nonpartisan, expert-based, factual programs covering a broad overview of topics in our complex world,” Cotner said. “Our 2022 speakers include first-time SILL guests Peter Bergen, speaking about domestic terrorism; Peter Singer on the weaponizing of social media; and Angela Stent on Russia. Among returning speakers are Baroness Margaret Jay of Paddington, discussing the Online Accelerator–how Covid has forced people into a more virtual world where the internet is more important than ever; Martin Walker with his overview of the EU; Mark Lowenthal speaking on current issues in U.S. intelligence; and Dennis Ross discussing matters in the Middle East.  

SILL had typically presented its lectures and performances to over 35,000 in-person participants annually during its annual three-month season, until Covid made in-person programs impossible. The can-do organization simply put its 2021 season online—for free, as a thank-you gift to supporters. Cotner said attendees decreased to 21,000 but increased in breadth, drawing participants from many states and several other nations. This led SILL to broaden its method of delivery to include hybrid subscriptions: in-person, streamed, and video on demand (VOD). SILL also broadcasts into several assisted living venues in the community.  Most lectures are 40-50 minutes, followed by up to 30 minutes of audience questions.   

Belying the high level of the presenting experts, subscriptions are affordably priced at $85 for each 12-lecture series and each of the three Video on Demand series, which includes six lectures in each. Single lecture tickets are available at the door for $10. 

To learn more about joining SILL, attending programs, or becoming a volunteer, visit  www.sillsarasota.org. This site provides a detailed brochure, calendar of events, list of speakers and subjects, and ticketing options, along with Covid protocols. For information about locations, fees, and seating policy, click on the link “About SILL,” then “General Information.” Information is also available at 941-365-6404. 

The Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) is a nonprofit organization that offers an expert lecture series and musical performances providing information on and discussion of the arts and contemporary global issues. SILL is guided by an all-volunteer board committed to modest pricing and enhanced outreach.