The Musical Brain

Is the Musical Brain a myth or a fact? Are there identifiable, distinguishable differences in the brain of a master musician compared to the musically naive brain of a scientist?

The results of a unique scientific experiment will offer some unusual evidence to answer those questions on the evening of October 13, 2011, at the Saint Louis Science Center. That’s when the results of brain scan studies of two “volunteer” subjects will be presented by Dr. Marcus Raichle. Dr. Raichle is a neurologist, Professor of Radiology, Neurology, Neurobiology and Biomedical Engineering at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine.

Our two “volunteers” are Maestro David Robertson and Dr. Philip Needleman. David Robertson is a world-renowned orchestra conductor, and currently holds the position of Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony. Dr. Needleman pioneered research that lead to the discovery of the inflammation target Cox-2, the isoform of cyclooxygenase responsible for the inflammation and pain suffered by arthritis patients. This research led to the development of the FDA approved arthritis drug Celebrex. Dr. Needleman is presently Interim President (iPres) and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center.

Both “volunteers” have had their brains scanned separately at rest and while listening to the same musical composition. Dr. Raichle will then evaluate each individual brain scan. How will each brain react? Will we see differences in their brain scans?

 

Reception
Exploradome Lobby 
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres

Presentation
Exploradome
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Main Stage
Guests are asked to be seated by 6:45 p.m.
Live Broadcast on HEC-TV will begin promptly at 7 p.m.

Introduction
Dr. Philip Needleman
Interim President & Chief Executive Officer
Saint Louis Science Center

Moderator
Al Wiman
Public Understanding of Science
Saint Louis Science Center

 

Presenters

David Robertson
Music Director
St. Louis Symphony

Dr. Marcus Raichle
Professor of Radiology, Neurology,
Neurobiology & Biomedical Engineering
Washington University School of Medicine

Fred Bronstein
President & Chief Executive Officer
St. Louis Symphony

 

 

 

 

Dessert, Coffee & Cocktails Following presentation

RSVP & Inquiries
Seating is limited. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, October 11, 2011 to Earlyn Gordon 314.289.4402 or specialinvite@slsc.org

 

Complimentary Valet Parking
Please enter through the west drive, located between the Exploradome and Compton Drew Middle School.
(follow directional signs)

(Must be 16 years of age or older to attend)
Dress: Business Attire

 
 
 
 

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