SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant cultural development, Dominican President Luis Abinader hosted an eminent delegation at the National Palace, featuring world-renowned pianist Michel Camilo and officials from Boston’s Berklee College of Music. The high-profile gathering served to evaluate advancements within the groundbreaking ‘Berklee in Santo Domingo 2026’ initiative, a collaborative effort designed to cultivate exceptional musical talent across the Caribbean nation.
The program represents an extraordinary educational opportunity, providing intensive training to over 200 meticulously selected students from a highly competitive applicant pool. These young musicians are receiving instruction directly from Berklee’s distinguished faculty during the January 5-10 intensive session. As a highlight of the program, Maestro Camilo will conduct an exclusive masterclass at the National Theater on January 7, offering participants invaluable insights from his illustrious international career. The most promising participant will receive the program’s pinnacle award: a comprehensive scholarship to pursue studies at Berklee’s main campus in the United States.
This ambitious cultural-educational project operates through a strategic alliance between Berklee College and several Dominican institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, the National School of Fine Arts, and the National Conservatory of Music. The collaboration signals a substantial investment in cultural infrastructure and demonstrates the administration’s dedication to creating international pathways for Dominican artists. The initiative not only enhances artistic education but also strengthens the global cultural presence of the Dominican Republic, positioning the nation as an emerging hub for musical excellence in the Caribbean region.