Juilliard expanding into China with new school

In a move that acknowledges the growing market for classical music in China, the Juilliard School plans to launch a new school in Tianjin that is expected to open in 2018 in a facility designed by the U.S. architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

Officials at Juilliard in New York announced Monday that the Tianjin Juilliard School will offer U.S.-accredited master’s degrees in the areas of orchestral performance, chamber music performance and collaborative piano. It is believed to be the first American music school of its kind in China.

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In addition, the school will offer a pre-college program, an instrumental training program, adult education and public performances and exhibits. Juilliard said the new school will be a partnership with the Tianjin Conservatory of Music and other local institutions.

Monday’s announcement was timed for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the U.S. Juilliard President Joseph W. Polisi made the announcement with Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan, who was trained as a traditional folk singer and once served in a performance group in the People’s Liberation Army.

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Classical music groups in the U.S. are looking increasingly to China to expand their international reach. This year, the Los Angeles Philharmonic announced that select concerts will be broadcast in China via the WFMT Radio Network’s agreement with Shanghai East Radio Company.

The orchestra also toured Asia this year, with stops including Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Diller Scofidio + Renfro worked on the recent multiyear overhaul of Lincoln Center, including the expansion of Juilliard’s home. The firm also designed the recently opened Broad museum in downtown L.A.

Twitter: @DavidNgLAT