On 14th January, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao welcomed a familiar friend — Mr Óscar Colomina i Bosch, Dean of the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía in Madrid, and his delegation. This visit was not only an exchange between two leading music institutions but also a warm reunion, a reflection on the original aspirations of education, and an expansion of new pathways for Menuhin Qingdao students towards Spain's top musical academy.
A Reunion with an "Old Friend"
For Óscar Colomina, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao holds a special place in his heart. Between 2017 and 2020, he served as Director of Music at The Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK , during which he was deeply involved in the process of establishing its only overseas school in China and the signing of the cooperation memorandum. Returning eight years later, he was deeply impressed by the school's rapid development.
"The quality of teaching and the growth of the faculty are truly impressive," Dean Colomina stated in an interview. "I feel a genuine joy to be back in a place with which I have such an emotional connection." This bond, rooted in the school's founding period, elevated the visit beyond a standard inter-institutional meeting, imbuing it with sincere warmth and care.
From "Witness" to "Companion on the Journey"
Founded in 1991 and located in the heart of Madrid, the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía is globally recognized as a top-tier music academy . Leveraging its unique "tripartite" system — Royal endorsement, world-class faculty, and a strong sponsorship network — it consistently ranks among Europe's finest music institutions . Its nearly 100% scholarship coverage makes it a dream destination for music students worldwide .
Dean Colomina's visit signifies a strong recognition of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao's achievements and marks the official commencement of a new collaborative prospect between the two schools.
An In-depth Dialogue and Guidance for Future Studies
During his visit, Dean Colomina and his delegation held in-depth discussions with the school's leadership. They exchanged views on educational philosophies, curriculum systems, and talent cultivation, looking forward to future collaboration. The "Holistic Education" philosophy consistently upheld by The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao closely aligns with the Reina Sofía School's mission to nurture comprehensively developed, gifted students .
That afternoon, a guidance lecture for students and parents on further studies was held as scheduled. Dean Colomina elaborated in detail on the distinctive features, admissions policies, and scholarship system of the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía. The session saw lively interaction, with students enthusiastically asking questions about specializations and preparation strategies, all of which the Dean patiently and thoroughly answered.
"I encourage you all to aim for the broader world stage, to continue elevating your skills and musical capabilities," Dean Colomina imparted to the Menuhin Qingdao students during the lecture. "I am confident that your dedication will yield extraordinarily brilliant results!"
This visit and exchange not only allowed an "old friend" to revisit the educational cooperation between China and the UK that he once helped foster, adding a significant new option to the study destinations for Menuhin Qingdao students, but also demonstrated The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao's ongoing commitment to deepening connections with world-class art institutions, transforming premium international resources into stepping stones that realize students' dreams of higher education and personal growth.
