Brave Conversations in conversation with Paul Grabowsky & Mindy Meng Wang

How to disagree in an age of polarisation.

There has never been a shortage of issues for humans to disagree on, whether it's war, gender, politics or race – the national conversation has never felt so fraught. Differing views erode into intractable points of division, and opinions become more polarised and entrenched. How might we begin to bridge our divides?

Daniel Heller and Farid Zaid, founders of Monash University’s Brave Conversations Project, come together to discuss how we can learn to disagree more productively. For the very first edition of Brave Conversations at The Beacon, join Heller and Zaid with acclaimed musicians Paul Grabowsky and Mindy Meng Wang for a thoughtful and hopeful discussion about how each of us can play a part in reshaping the way we talk and listen to one another.

For Paul and Mindy, music offers a powerful lens for the conversation. Ideas such as primary and secondary voices, dissonance and harmony, and melody and counterpoint give way to broader questions about music’s place in politics and society.

By slowing down and approaching one another with curiosity rather than certainty, we can rebuild the habits that help shape a healthy democracy. Drawing on insights from psychology, education, neuroscience and philosophy, Heller and Zaid encourage listeners to embrace complexity rather than shy away from it.

Brave Conversations is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Humanity Foundation.

Tickets

Standard $25 (per person)

Please note, online ticket sales for events in The Beacon close 2.5 hours before the performance. After this time, tickets can be booked by calling the MRC Box Office or visiting us in person, pending availability.

A Transaction Fee between $4 and $8.50 applies to orders made online and by phone. Delivery Fees may also apply. A ticket limit of six is in place online to ensure fair ticket access for all. Want to bring a bigger party? Call our Box Office during business hours on (03) 9699 3333 to book.

Seating Information

The Peter & Ruth McMullin Beacon offers a variety of seating options, with tickets sold per person.

Please select your preferred seating type and the number of people attending when booking. Our Visitor Experience team will do their best to seat your party together within your selected seating type. You may be seated at a table alongside other ticket holders, and for sold-out performances, parties who booked later may need to be split across the remaining available seats.

Tables – Standard dining tables seating up to 4 people.
High Tables – Bar-height tables with high-backed stools seating for 4 people.
Lounge – Curved banquette lounge seating for 4 people around a shared table.

Speakers

Dr Dan Heller
Dr Farid Zaid
Paul Grabowsky
Mindy Meng Wang

About the speakers

Dr Dan Heller is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University, specialising in East European Jewish history, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and the psychology of conflict and cooperation. His research and teaching focus on fostering dialogue and historical awareness, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr Farid Zaid is a cognitive psychologist and education-focused academic at Monash University. He is the Director of the Graduate Diploma of Psychology and Co-Director of the Monash Brave Conversations Project. His work focuses on cognition, learning, and the conditions that support constructive disagreement, intellectual humility, and civic resilience. Dr Zaid is passionate about bridging academic research with real-world challenges, particularly the growing tensions around self-censorship, academic freedom, and the need for universities to better support open, honest dialogue.

Professor Paul Grabowsky AO is a pianist, composer, arranger, and conductor with a career spanning nearly 50 years. Considered one of Australia’s most significant musicians, he has recorded over 40 albums and has won 8 ARIA Awards, as well as numerous APRA awards, 2 Helpmann Awards and a Deadly Award. He is the founder of the Australian Art Orchestra, which he led for 19 years. He directed the Queensland Music Festival in 2007 and Adelaide Festival of Arts in 2010 & 2012. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia and is currently ED of Monash University Performing Arts Centres.

Mindy Meng Wang is a versatile Chinese / Australian Composer and world leading contemporary Guzheng Performing Artist. Mindy’s work explores the fertile space between traditional and contemporary practices: Her cross-cultural life and professional experience create her unique style, which has been influenced by Chinese and Western music. She is a pioneer to bring the Guzheng (an ancient Chinese horizontal harp) into many western genres such as experimental, Jazz, western classical, Electronic and improvisation. Mindy is a strong force in the Australian music scene.