Madrid, 30 January 2025 — The Reina Sofía School of Music and the Sinfonía Foundation have signed an agreement that strengthens their mutual commitment to the development of musical talent and the promotion of classical music in the Dominican Republic and Spain.

The signing took place at the School's headquarters in Madrid, with the participation of Julia Sánchez Abeal, CEO of the Reina Sofía School of Music; Margarita Miranda de Mitrov, President of the Sinfonía Foundation; and Marisol Rodríguez Copello, Co-President of the same institution.

This agreement, which consolidates a historic collaboration between both entities, aims to implement joint initiatives in three key areas:

• Masterclasses by professors and Alumni of the Reina Sofía School of Music. These sessions will allow Dominican students and musicians to benefit from the experience of renowned music professionals.
• Scholarships for young Dominican talents. The agreement includes a scholarship for Dominican students who pass the admission process of the Reina Sofía School of Music. This scholarship aims to provide access to an excellent musical education, fostering the professional development of highly talented musicians.
• Concerts in the Dominican Republic featuring students and Alumni of the School. Organization of musical events in the Dominican Republic, bringing high-quality performances to the Dominican audience and strengthening cultural exchange between both countries.

A historic relationship and a promising future

This agreement strengthens a long-standing connection between the two institutions. The co-founder of the Sinfonía Foundation, Margarita Copello de Rodríguez, known in the Dominican Republic as "The Lady of Music," shared a close friendship with Paloma O’Shea, founder of the Reina Sofía School, and was inspired by her successful cultural work.

Since 1999, the Sinfonía Foundation has presented the three winners of the prestigious Santander Paloma O’Shea International Piano Competition at the Carlos Piantini Hall of the National Theater in Santo Domingo. This historic competition has been organized by the Albéniz Foundation in Spain since 1972. The last edition of the competition took place in 2022, and in 2025, Sinfonía will host the final "Winners' Gala" of this competition in Santo Domingo, marking a significant chapter in its collaboration with the Albéniz Foundation.

With the signing of this agreement, both institutions reaffirm and renew their commitment to promoting musical excellence and inspiring future generations of musicians.