Tianjin Juilliard held a commencement ceremony for Pre-College students on May 21 at the Tianjin Juilliard Recital Hall. Associate dean of Pre-College and Educational Development, Robert Ross, and assistant dean of Pre-College, Sophie X. Zhang, presented certificates of graduation to 11 Pre-College students from five provinces in China. Juilliard’s president emeritus and chief China officer Joseph W. Polisi gave an address to the graduates. Piano student Weiran Meng (Pre-College ’23, piano) spoke on behalf of the graduating class. 9 Pre-College graduates have been admitted to music conservatories around the world, including The Juilliard School, The Eastman School of Music, The Hartt School, Yale University, and Tianjin Conservatory of Music.
Please remember that your goal as a performing musician is not to get the notes right or to only accurately replicate the musical narrative of the composer, but, most importantly, to communicate to your audiences the human values we all share through your musical performance. Values like empathy, emotionality, compassion. Your goal should not be to present an accurate performance, but rather a performance, that is powerful, emotionally compelling, and transformative for each audience member. Although this is a lofty and demanding goal, it is one that is attainable if you approach each performance as one filled with focus, energy, and creativity
Joseph W. Polisi
I love the entire season leading up to commencement ceremonies. It inspires us to look back and reflect on the journey that each of you have taken to arrive at this moment. And it inspires us to look ahead toward the future, an unscripted future and the paths that will unfold for each of you. I look at our graduates and I see limitless possibilities. Class of 2023, in this moment, your moment, I wish for you the desire and perseverance and determination you need to find your success, and your happiness for your future.
Robert Ross
My dear friends, faith brought us together, kept us together, and drives us forward. I can’t wait to see how our voices will bring changes to the world, and how our talents and creativity will intersect. I firmly believe that we have the courage and wisdom to overcome whatever challenges that come in our way, and cross through each finishing line with pride and passion.
Weiran Meng (Pre-College ’23, piano)
The Commencement celebration culminated with a Pre-College Ensemble Concert at the Tianjin Juilliard Concert Hall. The concert showcased three remarkable ensembles, including the Wind Ensemble conducted by He Sun, the Youth String Ensemble conducted by Jiajing Lai, and the High School String Ensemble conducted by Yiwen Shen.
