Representatives from Leeds Conservatoire recently visited Sichuan Conservatory of Music (SCCM) and reciprocated by welcoming a delegation from the Chinese institution on-campus on 10 June. During the visit to Leeds, senior colleagues signed a formal agreement marking a new chapter for future collaborations between the two creative institutions, which will include masterclasses and workshops.
Professor Feng Wen (Principal of SCCM), Professor Yan Zhou (Associate Director of the Piano Department) and Mr Bin Deng (Deputy Director of International Cooperation) engaged in fruitful exchanges with Leeds Conservatoire Principal Professor Joe Wilson; Heads of Schools Kari Bleivik, Erin Carter, Craig Golding and Jamil Sheriff; Principal Lecturer Dr Jakob Fichert, plus Victoria Barber and Jiani Yang from the International team.
Professor Wilson and Professor Wen during the signing ceremony
During the conversation, both sides shared their perspectives on higher education from their respective cultural backgrounds and introduced current teaching trends at their institutions. Mr Xin Gong and Jiani Yang (Senior International Recruitment Officer - Lead for China) served as translators throughout the visit.
After the signing ceremony, the four Heads of Schools gave the delegation a comprehensive campus tour. SCCM representatives were pleasantly surprised to witness a rehearsal of a special concert staging of My Fair Lady, performed with the full Leeds Conservatoire School of Music orchestra, bringing the classic score to life in all its splendour. Principal Professor Wen was deeply impressed not only by the students’ high standards of performance but also the conservatoire’s professional production and mix suites and coveted All-Steinway School status.
Leeds Conservatoire has a global outlook and welcomes the opportunity to work closely with creative institutions like SCCM.
