March 18, 2018, started like any other day in San José, Costa Rica, with me savoring a cup of tea, oblivious to the life-changing news that was about to arrive in my inbox. The subject line “scholarship selection result” had my heart racing. And there it was, the golden ticket: a full scholarship for a master’s degree in conducting at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. My dreams of exploring the mystical dragons and ancient legends of China were about to become reality.
From the Tropics to the Orient: A New World Awaits
Five months later, with a suitcase full of dreams, I landed in Shanghai. My Costa Rican friends greeted me at the airport, ushering me into a new world filled with enchanting melodies and vibrant culture. I still remember being drawn to my dorm at Lingling Road by the sweet, unfamiliar tune of a dizi (Chinese flute), a sound so different from anything back home.
Learning the Art of Flowing Music
Back in Costa Rica, I had honed my conducting technique. However, it was under the tutelage of Professor Cao Tongyi at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music that my skills truly blossomed. He taught me to let music flow with the grace of tai chi, instilling a sense of harmony and rhythm reflective of life in China itself.
Navigating Life Through Music
Life in China is like a well-orchestrated symphony. From the fluidity of traffic to the seamless subway system and efficient delivery networks, everything moves with a rhythm and ease. Music, too, transcends the confines of notation, becoming a dynamic flow of emotions and stories.
Pandemic Interlude and a Return to Roots
The pandemic forced a temporary return to Costa Rica, but China had already left an indelible mark on my heart. Teaching music at a local school, I introduced my students to “Molihua,” a Chinese folk song. Their initial reactions were a mix of curiosity and confusion, especially with the pronunciation challenges of Mandarin.
Spreading Musical Harmony
As interest in Chinese culture grew among my students, I dedicated more time to exploring its music and stories. Our rendition of “Molihua” for the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China even caught the attention of the Chinese Embassy in Costa Rica, which shared our performance on social media.
A Triumphant Return to Shanghai
March 8 this year marked my return to Shanghai to complete my master’s degree. Reuniting with friends and colleagues, I prepared for concerts and continued my exploration of Chinese music, feeling blessed every day for this opportunity.
Shanghai: A Global Classical Music Hub
Shanghai is fast becoming a global center for classical music, attracting renowned artists and orchestras from around the world. Chinese composers like Tan Dun are redefining the boundaries of music, using unconventional instruments to create unique soundscapes.
Blending East and West in Music
The fusion of Western and Chinese music is particularly fascinating in Shanghai. From traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu and suona to adaptations of Western classics, the city offers a rich tapestry of musical experiences.
A Vision for the Future
Now, my mission is to share these musical discoveries with the world. As I work on bringing a new musical proposal to the stage, I am driven by the desire to spread the joy and unity of music globally.
About the Author
Edwin Montealegre, a 37-year-old Costa Rican music conductor with a Master of Arts degree from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, is now setting up a music company in Shanghai, ready to weave his experiences into performances that transcend cultural boundaries.
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