Fundación Occident strengthens its commitment to Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía

"Fundación Occident, patron of the Reina Sofía School since 2022, has expanded its support by granting two scholarships to the piano students of this high-performance centre. "

Laura Halpern, president of Fundación Occident, and Paloma O’Shea, founding president of Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía, have signed an extension of the collaboration agreement between both entities to increase the funding for two annual scholarships, named ‘Federico Halpern Scholarships of Fundación Occident,’ aimed at supporting the training of young pianists. After the signing ceremony, a visit was made to the school, which was attended by Josep Maria Serra, President of GCO (Grupo Catalana Occidente) and Julia Sánchez Abeal, CEO of Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía.

Since 2022, Fundación Occident has awarded an annual study scholarship, which has been granted to young pianist Álex Arroyo, a student at the School since that same year. Next May, he will make his solo debut with an orchestra in a concert with the Sant Cugat Orchestra. Additionally, he has won two consecutive editions of the BBVA Music Award and received an honorary diploma at the Ricard Viñes International Piano Competition.

With the expansion of its collaboration to two scholarships, Fundación Occident strengthens its commitment to education and culture, while the Reina Sofía School of Music continues to enhance its mission of providing top-quality training with free tuition for talented young musicians.

During the event, both presidents highlighted the importance of excellence in music education and the fundamental role of patronage in the training of future generations of professional musicians.

In the words of Laura Halpern: “At Fundación Occident we firmly believe in the transformative power of talent and culture. The extension of our agreement with Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía strengthens our commitment to promoting young musicians who strive every day to achieve excellence. We are very pleased to help art and music continue to play a leading role in our society”.

Paloma O'Shea expressed her gratitude: “The support of Fundación Occident not only helps our students to achieve artistic excellence but also promotes the work of our institution in promoting musical talent.”