In a remarkable cultural exchange, students and alumni from the Florida State University College of Music recently traveled to Cartagena, Colombia, for a week filled with performances, masterclasses, and collaboration. The trip highlighted the global reach of FSU’s music programs and left a lasting impact on the participants, deepening their connection to the world of music and international education.
Luis Gallo-Quintero, a doctoral candidate and Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Oboe Studio, described the experience as a personal milestone. “That week in Colombia was a full circle moment for me. Thanks to the FSU College of Music, I was able to fulfill one of my dreams during the past 10 years that I’ve been studying in the U.S. I got to go back to my country and hometown as a guest artist.”
During the trip, Gallo-Quintero and his colleagues led daily masterclasses, collaborating with professors from UNIBAC (Universidad de Bellas Artes y Ciencias de Bolívar) and performing in faculty recitals. The week culminated in a concert at the stunning Teatro Adolfo Mejía, where performers presented a full program of Latin American music alongside local students. Gallo-Quintero reflected, “This hall is special to me because I used to perform there very often as a kid, and it’s where I got much of the inspiration and desire to pursue a career in music. To go back there as a guest artist and share my knowledge with the local students was a very special full circle moment for me.”
Thu Vo, a second-year doctoral candidate in String Performance, echoed the excitement and fulfillment that the trip brought. “The trip to Colombia filled me with immense joy and gratitude. As a guest artist from FSU, I had the honor of teaching masterclasses at UNIBAC and performing two unforgettable concerts alongside talented artists from around the world. Immersing myself in the rich culture and lively music of Colombia and the Caribbean deepened my understanding and appreciation of this art form.”
The journey wasn’t just about professional development—it was also about personal connections. Angela King, Visiting Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Central Arkansas and a doctoral candidate at FSU, shared her own reflections on the experience. “I am so thankful for the unforgettable experience of both teaching and performing abroad in Cartagena, Colombia. It was an honor to share my passion for music in such a culturally rich community, and I am thankful to FSU and UNIBAC for making this event possible. The experience has inspired my teaching and performing and will do so in years to come.”
King added, “The students, teachers, administrative staff, and more at UNIBAC welcomed us with such warmth and happiness. I will always remember my new friends in Cartagena, Colombia, and hope to go back in the future to visit again!”
The week in Colombia not only showcased the talents of FSU students and alumni but also underscored the College of Music’s commitment to international collaboration. Through masterclasses, recitals, and shared performances, the FSU participants built lasting relationships and created powerful cultural exchanges with Colombian students and musicians.
This journey to Colombia exemplifies the FSU College of Music’s dedication to providing transformative experiences that expand the horizons of its students and alumni. The College continues to foster a sense of global citizenship, ensuring that its graduates are not only skilled musicians but also ambassadors of culture and learning.
