The University of the Fraser Valley is pleased to launch the development of a Peace Studies program, one that will be celebrated for diversity in approach and practice, both in the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum and for its multicultural and multi-faith engagement with all members of our Fraser Valley communities.  The intent is to focus on three streams of study:

• conflict analysis and transformation;
• reconciliation and peace building; and
• sustainability. 

Courses and internships will not only provide students with a broad theoretical framework but also teach practical professional skills.   The University thanks in advance the many people of vision and dedication who are supporting this important new initiative. 



Voices for Peace 2012 09 print version

“Why Peace Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley?”

Our world is experiencing widespread misunderstanding, social unrest, conflict and violence. A significant response to this crisis is the development of Peace Studies programs in countries around the world. Over 400 universities in many countries have introduced Peace Studies into their curriculum.

When institutions, cultures and civilizations fall apart, they often become violent. In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly announced the establishment of the International Day of Peace on September 21 of every year thereafter. The "Voices of Peace" concert commemorates and strengthens the ideals of peace.

Let this concert address the interconnected pathways to peace that transcend national, racial, ethnic, age or gender differences. Using the art forms of poetry, music and drumming, may this “Voices of Peace” concert celebrate the meaning of peace.

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding". Albert Einstein.

Towards the ideals of peace

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The International Day of Peace from the United Nations is scheduled for September 21. 
www.internationaldayofpeace.org
www.un.org/en/events/peaceday

Performer Biographies

John Friesen

Cellist, John Friesen is known for his exciting and passionate performances.  He has appeared in New York, Washington, D.C., Moscow, Montreal, Tokyo and elsewhere.  His solo recordings, "Sotto Voce,” "Soul,” Bach’s Solo Suites #1, 2 & 3” and his latest disc, “Ascendance” have received critical acclaim for their beauty of tone and depth of expression.   Music from his recordings appears in Oscar winning actor, Sir Ben Kingsley’s latest movie, “Fifty Dead Men Walking.”   Of his playing, the Seattle Times wrote, “Friesen has the technique to negotiate Bach’s demands with relative ease, he plays with obvious enjoyment and commitment, letting Bach speak through his strings.”

John Friesen has won prizes at the Montreal Symphony Competition and the Eckhardt-Grammatte National Music Competition. He is a recipient of Canada Council Awards and the Lincoln Center Fund Awards and has been heard on CBC national radio and television, CTV national television, WNYC Radio, New York and BBC Radio (UK). After earning a bachelor degree at the University of British Columbia with Eric Wilson, he obtained a masters degree at the Juilliard School in New York under Harvey Shapiro and Channing Robbins. He went on to complete a doctorate at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles with Lynn Harrell. John Friesen is Professor of Cello at Western Washington University in Bellingham where he has taught for the past 10 years. 

Richard Whitfield

Richard Whitfield was born in Yorkshire, England. Currently, a Professor Emeritus, he is a freelance international lecturer, writer, teacher, consultant, and poet. A consistent advocate of responsive and sensitive policies for children, youth, and families, Richard was originally an antibiotic chemist and science teacher. He successively became a university lecturer at Cambridge, Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities at Aston University, and United Kingdom Childcare Director of a large international charity. From 1993 to 1997, he was warden of St. George's house, Windsor Castle.

He has written and published hundreds of poems including a number of peace poems, some of which are part of the"Voices for Peace" program. His books of poetry include, "Messages in Time", "Mindscapes of Meaning" and "Purpose in Presence". His latest book of poetry, "Find Here", focuses upon issues fundamental to human well-being, including dimensions of identity and spirituality. The themes address cosmic mystery, the now global era, nurturing life, love, childhood longings, the call of stillness and silence, and grounding our hope.

http://www.richardwhitfield.co.uk

Jeffrey Gilliam

Prior to joining the piano faculty at Western Washington University in 1992, Jeffrey Gilliam taught at the Juilliard School; The University of Michigan School of Music; and at the International Menuhin Music Academy in Gstaad, Switzerland. He has both performed and taught all over the world, including teaching positions in Thailand and South Africa, as well as two Fulbright awards.

Mr. Gilliam’s extended association with the late Lord Yehudi Menuhin has led to his collaboration with superb instrumentalists, with whom he has performed at London’s Wigmore Hall, The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City; in numerous concert tours across the U.S. and Canada, and in distinguished European, Asian, and South American festivals.

He has recorded with violinists Yehudi Menuhin, Ruggerio Ricci, and Alberto Lysy, for EMI, Opus 111, and Dinemec Classics, respectively.

Originally from Akron, Ohio (USA), he studied piano with the legendary Cécile Genhart at the Eastman School of Music, and collaborative piano with Martin Katz and Margo Garrett. In addition to teaching piano and collaborative piano at Western, he is Artistic Director of the Sanford-Hill and Firehouse Piano Series.

Walter Schwede

Violinist Walter Schwede began studying when he was eight years old and was selected Concertmaster of the School Orchestra of America in1965 as the youngest member of the tour. After undergraduate work at the University of Michigan, four years with the U.S. Air Force ensemble Strolling Strings and completing his Masters at Catholic University of America, he began his Ph.D. at New York University where he also taught violin. Mr. Schwede served as Associate Concert master of the Seattle Symphony from 1984-1997.During this time he was also Concert master of the Pacific Northwest Ballet from1984 to 1988 and has frequently served as Concert master to the Seattle Opera, including its 2001, 2002, and 2005 Wagner Ring Cycles. Before moving to thePacific Northwest, he taught at Depauw University, Belmont College, the Blair School of Music, and was Concert master of the Nashville Symphony. From 1988 to1996, Mr. Schwede was Artist-in-Residence at the University of Washington. He joined Western's music faculty in 1997. At Western Washington University, Mr.Schwede teaches violin and is Coordinator of String Studies.

Mr. Schwede is an active recitalist, chamber musician, and soloist with orchestra. A few of the festivals he has participated in include the Grand Teton Festival, the Red Lodge Music Festival, the Marrowstone Music Festival, Mostly Mozart, and Waterloo Music Festival. He has taught at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan and the Meadowmount School of Music. He is featured as a violinist in a Naxos label recording of the Violin and Piano Sonatas of Joseph Martin Kraus.