“I certainly wish the Jamanises well and I have always felt that a thriving Academy of Music would be an asset to Lancaster. But events have shown that the market is not here for an elite Juilliard-style school designed primarily to prepare future concert artists. It would take years, probably decades, to establish the kind of reputation that would attract many students to come here from all over northeast US and foreign countries. To my knowledge, there was no market study…”
EDITOR: We agree that a feasibility study should be generated during the latter part of 2010. But first some important connections need to be further explored and preliminary commitments for students obtained. A contract at $50,000 a year each for the initial 60 students would be very meaningful.
Michael Jamanis and Fran Very have toured China several times over the past two decades and the Newstead Trio retraced their steps last summer. The Academy has a ‘fraternal’ relationship with the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing. PAM has long nurtured valuable contacts in China and its aspirations are no secret.
During the duo pianists’ concert tour in Budapest last winter, a supporter met with the Chinese embassy cultural official. The official explained that China is interested in Western classical music and is eager to send promising musicians to musical academies abroad to generate classical music teachers. The diplomat indicated that his government would have an interest in working with the Academy.
From February 16 through 26, forty students from the Conservatory in Beijing will visit at PAM as part of an exchange program. (In turn, PAM students will visit Beijing.) The Chinese youngsters will spend time with local music students and perform at PAM and in Harrisburg.
With its relatively close proximity to world class classical music centers in New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore and Lancaster’s reputation, deserved or otherwise, as a bucolic and safe community, and given the relationships already forged, the vision of an international music school in Lancaster can become reality. It is a question of commitment, hard work, leadership, and community support.
There are many fields we need to study.