The Royal Academy of Music has announced the launch of the Sir Elton John Global Exchange Programme, endorsed by the Academy’s ‘most generous’ alumni donor, Elton John.
Annually involving up to 20 students from 12 conservatoires, including the Juilliard School (New York), Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, Reina Sofía School of Music (Madrid), Hanns Eisler Academy (Berlin) and others, the exchanges will range from one-week intensive projects to a full year of study.
The programme will primarily be financially supported by new income from an existing fund created by Elton John, created to provide scholarships to talented musicians across a range of genres.
Elton John said: ‘My passion is to help nurture the next generation of global artists. Music can and should transcend borders, and I am delighted to be supporting a scheme which offers high-level, tangible opportunities to talented young musicians coming together from many different countries.
‘As the Royal Academy of Music turns 200 in 2022, this programme allows us a fresh chance to open our arms and celebrate our collaborations with international partners, which always bring so many benefits and joys, in projects large and small.
‘I’m delighted to see so many wonderful and world-renowned conservatoires joining us to offer these unique, hands-on, experiences to young musicians.’
Jonathan Freeman-Attwood CBE, principal of the Royal Academy of Music, said: ‘In a rapidly changing global landscape, conservatoires must evolve to meet future needs and create fresh opportunities for young artists.
‘Central to this is the free exchange of ideas without regard for international boundaries – which is why we have set up this network from a selection of the finest music schools in the world. All have long been friends of the Royal Academy of Music, and so re-connecting with each of these institutions has been profoundly encouraging.’
He added: ‘What drives this latest programme is the need for music - indeed all the arts - to break down the kinds of boundaries and barriers which actively work against the open spirit of creative enquiry and collaboration between different countries.’
