Music, spirituality in discussion

Theosophy Whanganui has a free public presentation by musician Guy Donaldson. He discusses music and the brain, how music connects with our consciousness, historic connection of music with spirituality, insights of Pythagoras, music’s relationships with mathematics and quantum theory, and how the quest for meaning has led some philosophers to believe mathematics and music point to there being some givens in the universe beyond our immediate comprehension, forming the basis of our existence.

In spite of its widespread diffusion music remains an enigma, since it is both hugely meaningful, and at the same time meaningless. The human brain seems to be wired not just for language, but also for music. Its strong links in all cultures with religion and spirituality and human love suggest that it may hold a key to fundamental truths about who we really are.

Guy received his formative piano instruction from Maurice Collier, and then at Canterbury University with Maurice Till. In 1984 he studied in London with Paul Hamburger and Roger Vignoles. Guy was a senior lecturer in music education at Massey until 2004, when he took leave to pursue his passion for performance and music teaching. He is active in the Manawatu¯ as a teacher, adjudicator, piano soloist, accompanist, chamber music player and music coach, and was until the end of 2018 music director of the Renaissance Singers. He has in recent times given talks to U3A and to the Theosophical Society.