Before our community scatters across the globe for the winter break, ND Global urges you to make the most of December by focusing on certain global themes right here on campus.
We have collected opportunities for serious thought and discussion—on such critical topics as the state of democracy in the world and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Additionally, in the time leading up to final papers and examinations, many of us would benefit from leaving screens and keyboards behind to sit in a darkened concert hall for immersion in music and song. Another possibility for a non-digital activity is attending the December Irish céilí or the workshop at the Hesburgh Library on the art of making a simple paper book.
And, one event on campus that never disappoints is the annual Fair Trade sale by the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. It is a visual and tactile experience to see the many beautiful handcrafted goods on sale—and all proceeds benefit local and international non-profit organizations.
Read about all these activities and more below!
ND Democracy Talk: State of Democracy Around the World, Reflections on 2024
Wednesday, December 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Hesburgh Center Auditorium
In 2024, over 70 countries held elections, with more than half of the world's population participating.
In an event sponsored by the Notre Dame Democracy Initiative, several panelists will explore global election results from a comparative perspective and reflect on what they reveal about the state of democracy. Featuring expert insights on key regions, Victoria Hui (Asia), Scott Mainwaring (Latin America), Dianne Pinderhughes (USA), Marc Jacob (Europe), and Bernard Forjwuor (Africa), the discussion will cover elections in nations like India, South Africa, Poland, France, the UK, Venezuela, and the US.
Moderated by Dean Mary Gallagher of the Keough School of Global Affairs, panelists and audience members will draw broad themes and collective takeaways about the health of global democracy in 2024. Dave Campbell, director of the Notre Dame Democracy Initiative, will offer introductory remarks.
A welcome reception with light refreshments will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the panel will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Co-sponsors are the Kellogg Institute for International Studies and the Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy.
Fair Trade Sale, Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies
Friday, December 6, 11:00 am-2:00 p.m.
The Forum, Jenkins-Nanovic Halls
Prepare for the holidays—and for campus weather this term and next!—with beautiful, handcrafted fair trade items: yak wool shawls, cashmere scarves, ear warmers, singing bowls, wool hats, and more. Sales will benefit several local and international non-profit organizations.
ND Chorale presents Handel’s Messiah
Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7, 8:00 p.m.
Leighton Concert Hall, DeBartolo Center for the Performing Arts
The Notre Dame Chorale and Festival Baroque Orchestra present their annual performances of Handel's masterpiece. This popular event features a professional orchestra of Baroque instruments, with vocal soloists drawn from the Chorale and from the Notre Dame Sacred Music Program.
Messiah is the most popular music ever set to English words.
Recently, The Washington Post published an op-ed titled Unsettled by the future? This is the moment for the ‘Messiah.’ Handel’s beloved oratorio was born out of turmoil and uncertainty. It’s fitting for today.
Referencing that, Notre Dame Chorale Director and Professor of Musicology Alexander Blachly notes: “Messiah was written when Handel was commissioned to stage a series of concerts in Dublin in 1742 to lift public spirits depressed by a world awash in political turmoil. Its core message is that even though we may live in terrible times, goodness will ultimately triumph. ‘Comfort ye,’ the oratorio begins. One can still believe in a future in which ‘every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low.’ Though we may wonder as we contemplate the world situation, ‘Why do the nations so furiously rage together;’ one day ‘Blessing and honor, glory and power’ will prevail.
“Listeners from every age since Messiah's premiere have found its music and words uplifting. Abigail Adams wrote to Thomas Jefferson after attending a performance in Westminster Abbey that ‘I should have sometimes fancied myself amongst a higher order of Beings.’ Audiences today respond in the same way.”
How to Make A Book
Monday, December 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
247 Navari Family Center for Digital Scholarship, Hesburgh Library
Throughout the centuries, books have transmitted knowledge, illuminated differences and similarities between cultures, and been the catalyst for political and social change, reshaping societies.
In an increasingly digital age, come to this Hesburgh Library workshop to learn how printing and making books continues to be important personally and collectively. Participants will have the opportunity to bind books using a “slot & tab” method and absolutely no tools, only paper. This technique is useful for personal notebooks and when you need a book (of just about any size) in a hurry.
Collegium Musicum: Bach Motets II
Wednesday, December 11, 7:30 p.m.
Reyes Organ and Recital Hall, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
“Highlighting various aspects of musical traditions in Europe and beyond,” explains Daniel Stowe, director of the Collegium Musicum and associate teaching professor of music, “the Collegium will perform two motets by one of the giants of European music, J.S. Bach, alongside other works by the Italian and Flemish composers Giovanni Gabrieli and Roland de Lassus, that are known to have been sung alongside those of Bach under his direction in mid-18th century Leipzig. Those present at Bach’s church services at the Leipzig Thomaskirche truly received an international musical experience, a circumstance at variance with the common perception of the city (and Bach's musical role there) as somewhat provincial in nature.”
Safety through Solidarity: The Fight Against Antisemitism
Thursday, December 12, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
C103, Hesburgh Center for International Studies
How can we stand in solidarity with Palestinians seeking justice, while also avoiding antisemitism—and resist those who seek to conflate the two?
In an event hosted by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, authors Shane Burley and Ben Lorber will share personal stories, historical reflections, and interview data from their recent book to discuss how to combat antisemitism and build true safety for Jews and all people. The conversation will be moderated by Atalia Omer, professor of religion, conflict and peace studies.
Irish Céilí
Thursday, December 12, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Downes Ballroom
Céilís breathe life into the Irish language, literature, and history students explore in the classroom—and connect the campus community through music and dance. Read the article “Giving it a Whirl” in Notre Dame Magazine on how they have taken the campus by storm.
Christmas at Notre Dame: Notre Dame Glee Club and Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, December 14, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, 2:30 p.m.
Leighton Concert Hall, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
Directed as well by Professor Stowe, this concert will showcase holiday traditions from many lands, including Imperial Russia (excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet), Germany, and Austria (Strauss’s Tritsch-tratsch Polka, a fixture of the famous New Year's Eve concerts in Vienna), along with the medieval carol In dulci jubilo, heard in its familiar Victorian English adaptation); southern France (the folk carol “March of the Kings," made famous as main tune the Farandole of Bizet's “L'Arlesienne” Suite); the Caribbean (two lively calypso carols); and here in the United States, with several classic selections from the Great American Christmas Songbook.
The concerts will benefit the South Bend Center for the Homeless and the Food Bank of Northern Indiana.
The Rediscovered String Quintets of George Onslow (1784-1853) in Concert
Sunday, December 15, 3:00 p.m.
LeBar Recital Hall, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
Faculty violinist Patrick Yim and guests perform recently discovered string quintets by French composer George Onslow. Publisher Ignace Pleyel called Onslow “our French Beethoven.”
A variety of social events from the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures
Finally, we draw readers’ attention to the calendar of the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures. As is true every month, you can find many opportunities for inventive, easily accessible activities hosted by Notre Dame’s language departments and their associated Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants. Here are two to check out:
Italian Coffee Hour - Panettone e decorazioni natalizie
Monday, December 2, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Decio Hall 3rd floor - Romance Language and Literatures Department
Japanese Conversation Table
Thursday, December 5, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Decio 131
Originally published by at global.nd.edu on December 02, 2024.