Isaiah Jackson, professor of composition at Berklee school of music, will sit down for an hour-long discussion with COA music professor and composer in residence John Cooper to discuss his life and work on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. The event takes place in the Deering Common Community Center on COA’s Eden Street campus, and is free and open to the public.

Jackson has had a storied musical career. He made his European debut in 1973 with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. He has led many distinguished American orchestras over the years, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops and the National Symphony. Jackson is Conductor Emeritus of the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, after serving as musical director their from 200 to 2007, and musician in residence at Harvard University’s Memorial Church.

Born in 1945 in Richmond, Virginia, Jackson is a cum laude graduate of Harvard, where he majored in Russian history and literature. He holds graduate degrees from Stanford University and The Juilliard School of Music. He has also studied at Fontainebleau, Aspen, and Tanglewood. At Harvard, he is a Fellow in the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute.

COA’s Coffee and Conversation Series spans the political, cultural, and social issues shaping our world. Guest speakers include writers, scientists, business leaders, and artists.