Strauss The Hero
September 11-13, 2025 || Winnetka, IL
Join us as we explore the world of Richard Strauss, whose music engages us with stories of heroes and their journeys. Through companion texts from Joseph Campbell, Nietzsche, and others, we’ll dive deep into themes of transformation, courage, and self-discovery. Together, we’ll consider what it means to heed the call to adventure, to confront the unknown, and to emerge changed. This symposium offers a study of Strauss’s soundscapes with a mirror to examine our own inner journey, and the archetypes we carry with us along the way.
The Symposium Experience
A multi-day immersive retreat that will bring together a curated group of musicians, scholars, and seekers. Through shared listening, unhurried conversation, and time together around the “table”, we will explore the questions that matter - about the music, the meaning, and the human experience. Your participation includes:
6-8 roundtable discussions alongside distinguished scholars and featured guests, with time for reflection and connection
“Behind the Score” deep dive with Maestro Tinkham, Music Director
Reserved ticket for Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “Ein Heldenleben”
Symposium Reader and Listening Guide, mailed in advance
Communal meals and refreshments throughout the retreat, including a more formal group dinner to close the event
Details
Schedule of Events - September 11-13, 2025
Thursday & Friday, September 11-12: evening sessions from 5:00-9:00PM
Saturday, September 13: all-day from 9:00AM-3:00PM, followed by group dinner and symphony performance
Participation Fee:
Early Bird: $1,000 (until June 1, 2025)
Standard: $1,200
Student Pricing Available (application required)
Scholarship inquiries welcome. We’re committed to keeping space for those called to the conversation.
Please note: to preserve the wholeness of our community, participation is by invitation only, and limited to 15 participants. Those interested are warmly invited to reach out for a conversation.
Featured Participants
Our symposiums are 100% group discussions, rather than lectures or Q&A/Panels. No one in the group holds more authority than another. However, we are excited to be able to bring in key subject matter experts, who have depth in understanding of various subjects. Your participation will put you in dialog and company with them!
Dr. Bryan Gilliam, Professor Emeritus of Music, Duke University. Dr. Gilliam is perhaps the most noteworthy scholar and teacher on the life and music of Richard Strauss. A frequent lecturer around the world, he has authored numerous books and papers on the subject, including Rounding Wagner's Mountain: Richard Strauss and Modern German Opera.
Allen Tinkham, Music Director, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. For nearly 25 years, Maestro Tinkham has been educating and leading the nation’s top young musicians, as well as working with noteworthy adult ensembles across the nation. He is a champion for contemporary and underrepresented voices in music as much as he is a master teacher and conductor for the classics and masterworks.
Featured Participant #3 (TBA soon!)
