UNM strings faculty sign historic agreement with Chinese Conservatory

University of New Mexico string faculty members Carmelo de los Santos, professor of violin and Christoph Wagner, assistant professor of cello and head of strings, traveled to China recently to formalize a landmark international partnership between the UNM College of Fine Arts and the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music (ZJCM), one of China's leading institutions for higher music education.

The visit, which occurred during UNM's winter break and culminated with the signing of an official exchange and cooperation agreement on Dec. 29, 2025, established new pathways for student exchanges and future study abroad opportunities for UNM music students.

The agreement represents a significant step forward in UNM's commitment to global engagement, artistic collaboration and international education.

During their visit, de los Santos and Wagner were invited to participate in the prestigious New Year's Concert hosted by the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, in addition to leading masterclasses and engaging in educational activities with ZJCM students. Their artistic involvement underscored the collaborative spirit of the partnership and highlighted the international stature of UNM's string faculty.

Located in Hangzhou, one of China's most vibrant cultural and technological centers, the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music is home to a state-of-the-art campus, a student body of more than 3,000 musicians and a world-class faculty representing both Chinese and international traditions. The institution is widely recognized for its excellence in performance, pedagogy and artistic innovation.

College of Fine Arts Dean Harris Smith reflected on the importance of the agreement and emphasized its impact on the broader UNM community.

"On behalf of the College of Fine Arts and the Department of Music, I am excited about this partnership and the meaningful cultural impact it will have for our faculty and students," said Smith. "Experiences like these enrich the college experience, fostering artistic growth, global perspective and cross-cultural understanding through music."

With this historic agreement, UNM Music continues to expand its global footprint, creating transformative opportunities for students while strengthening international partnerships through artistic excellence.