President Luis Abinader on Monday, 25 November 2024 officially opened the renovated National Conservatory of Music (CNM), the country’s premier institution for music education. The renovations were funded by the Ministry of Education and cost RD$108 million.
As the nation’s leading music education institution, the modernized facility ensures a conducive environment for nurturing artistic talent, promoting academic excellence, and strengthening the Dominican cultural heritage.
During the inauguration ceremony, the President was joined by Minister Milagros Germán; Deputy Minister of Creativity and Artistic Training, Giovanny Cruz; Director General of Fine Arts, Marinella Sallent; CNM Director, Nadia Nicola; Berklee College of Music Vice President and Executive Director, Ron Savage; and Berklee’s Associate Vice President of Global Initiatives, Jason Camelio, among other cultural officials.
“The refurbishment of this space and the adaptation of its academic curriculum to align with contemporary music education trends have been fundamental tasks of our administration to strengthen the cultural sector and provide new opportunities for training, development, and visibility to Dominican artists and creators,” stated Culture Minister Milagros German at the activity.
A performance by the Conservatory’s Juan Pablo Duarte Orchestra, conducted by José Luis Ureña followed. Likewise, the event included the unveiling of a plaque recognizing the institution as a Berklee Global Partner.
The renovation of the iconic building, whose facilities are over three decades old, began in October 2023 and is the result of a joint effort between the ministries of Culture and Education.
The CNM has specialized departments for both classical and folk/popular music.
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Presidency
27 November 2024