Juilliard begins new chapter in Asia
The recent opening of the first Juilliard campus overseas in Tianjin, China, is arousing much excitement among the Korean classical music community. The Tianjin Juilliard offers a U.S.-accredited two-year master of music degree in orchestral studies, chamber music and collaborative piano, and opened the applications for its inaugural graduate program last month. The first class will begin in autumn 2020.
This is great news for Korean students who want Juilliard’s quality training, but are reluctant to relocate all the way to Manhattan. Tianjin is an hour and 45 minutes from Seoul by plane. The Chinese branch of one of the world’s most renowned schools for the performing arts has recruited some Korean musicians as faculty members, including percussionist June Moon Kyung Hahn and cellist Yeonjin Kim.
Dr. Joseph W. Polisi, president emeritus and chief China officer of the Juilliard School, hosted a chamber music concert in Seoul on Sept. 19 to introduce the Tianjin Julliard project to the Korean classical music community as well as the Tianjin Juilliard Ensemble to local audiences. After serving as president of the Juilliard School from 1984 through 2017, he has been leading the Tianjin Julliard project, which is expected to contribute significantly in raising the competitiveness of classical music education in the East Asian region.
Below is an edited version of questions and answers from a written interview with Dr. Polisi. Q What drives your longstanding passion for the Tianjin Juilliard project?
A I have always believed that the arts provide an extraordinary window to the human condition, and I believe that Juilliard, in its 115-year history, has developed approaches and practices which prepare performing artists to be communicative performers presenting the best of human values. China, with its history stretching over millennia and its dedication to the importance of music within its society, is a good fit for introducing the Juilliard tradition to its people who understand the power of the arts.
Q What is the reason behind choosing Tianjin for branching out to East Asia? A My colleagues and I had the opportunity to meet municipal officials from Tianjin, and they quickly understood and agreed with our approach to music education and the important role that a Juilliard branch campus could bring to Tianjin, as well as to China and East Asia. Our Chinese partners have been exceptional in their vision and their desire to achieve our mutual goal of providing an “authentic Juilliard experience” for our students from around the globe.
Q What sets the Tianjin Juilliard apart from other music schools in the region? A The Tianjin Juilliard School is the first and only branch campus of the Juilliard School in any part of the world. Therefore, we will be bringing with us our traditions and our dedication to excellence in all that we do. At the same time, we look forward to partnering with music conservatories around China and East Asia, acting as a catalyst for new projects that will enhance the arts and education in the region.
Q What was the reason for holding the “Juilliard night” in Seoul last month? A The purpose of the “Juilliard in Seoul” event was to bring together Juilliard alumni who perform and teach in Seoul, and to introduce the Tianjin Juilliard Ensemble to Korean audiences so that they get to experience the artistry of this newly formed mixed instrument ensemble composed of Tianjin Juilliard resident faculty. We also invited prospective students who are considering auditioning for the Tianjin Juilliard School for our first graduate studies class in September 2020. Q Do you have more plans to promote ties between Juilliard and the Korean classical music community? A Juilliard’s ties with the Korean classical music community date back many decades, and we take great pride in our Korean alumni who have studied at Juilliard and then returned to Korea. With the opening of the Tianjin Juilliard School, we now have the opportunity to make frequent visits to Korea for performances, master classes and other special projects.