Tucson Classical Music Listeners Meetup Group

Ralph Vaughan Williams is arguably the greatest of the 20th-century English composers, yet he is not as well known or as often played here in the U.S. as he deserves to be. Gustav Holst was his closest musical friend. Though nearly two years older than Holst, Vaughan Williams outlived Holst by over 24 years. Nearly half of the music we’ll be listening to was premiered after Holst’s death in 1934. Notably, Vaughan Williams wrote some of his greatest music while in his 60s, 70s, and 80s. His creativity never waned, and he continued to develop his musical language until the very end. Come join us!

Join lifelong classical music enthusiast David Oesper for an in-depth chronological exploration of the life and music of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Saturdays January 10 through February 14, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. at the Donna R. Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave. in Tucson. This six-week course is open to high school students and adults and will be taught from a listening enjoyment rather than a music theory perspective. If you are interested in attending or for more information, please contact the instructor at doesper@icloud.com. Cost will be $20, payable at the first or second class.

Class 1, January 10
1872-1910 Holst, Bruch, MusD, English folk song, and Ravel

Class 2, January 17
1911-1914 An Important Symphonist Emerges

Class 3, January 24
1915-1935 War Service and the Interbellum Years

Class 4, January 31
1936-1944 World War II, Hope, and Resilience

Class 5, February 7
1945-1952 Eminence and Benevolence

Class 6, February 14
1953-1958 Octogenarian: Productive to the End

https://skythisweek.info/Music_for_Listeners_Ralph_Vaughan_Williams.pdf