Concert Launches Converse Partnership With Puerto Rican Conservatory

An April 10 performance by a faculty quintet of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico will launch a three-year exchange program with the Petrie School of Music at Converse College. Camerata Caribe will perform contemporary and classical Puerto Rican music in Daniel Recital Hall on the Converse campus Monday at 8 p.m. The performance is free and open to the public.

The public concert is a component of a three-day residency by members of Camerata Caribe who will also lead masterclasses, chamber music workshops and a lecture on Puerto Rican Music for Petrie School students. Drs. Douglas Weeks, Scott Robbins and Kenneth Law, all Petrie School faculty, were at the San Juan, Puerto Rico conservatory April 1-5 to lead masterclasses and perform in a concert of their own.

During the fall 2006 academic term, students of both institutions will be encouraged to take part in the exchange program. Participating students may spend an entire term at the host institution and receive full academic credit. No additional tuition charges will be applied. “The experience of different cultures is always a powerful experience in shaping a student’s perspective,” said Dr. Joseph Hopkins, dean of the Petrie School.

The exchange program is not limited to guest performance and masterclasses. The exchange of student ensembles, faculty in residence programs and collaborative performances featuring students from both Converse and the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico are possible components of the program.