Madrid, March 26, 2025.– Laura Halpern, president of Fundación Occident, and Paloma O’Shea, founding president of the Reina Sofía School of Music, have signed an extension of the collaboration agreement between both entities to increase the endowment to two annual scholarships, called ‘Federico Halpern Scholarships of Fundación Occident’, aimed at financing the training of young pianists.
After the signing ceremony, a visit to the School was held with the participation of Josep Maria Serra, president of GCO (Grupo Catalana Occidente), and Julia Sánchez Abeal, CEO of the Reina Sofía School of Music.
Since 2022, Fundación Occident has awarded an annual study grant, which has been enjoyed by the young pianist Álex Arroyo, a student at the School since that same year, and who next May will make his debut as a soloist with an orchestra in a concert with the Sant Cugat Orchestra, in addition to having won two consecutive editions of the BBVA Music Award and obtaining a diploma of honor in the Ricard Viñes International Piano Competition.
With the expansion of its collaboration to two scholarships, Fundación Occident consolidates its commitment to education and culture, while the Reina Sofía School continues to strengthen its proposal to offer top-quality training with free tuition to talented young musicians.
During the ceremony, both presidents highlighted the importance of excellent musical education and the fundamental role of patronage in the training of future generations of professional musicians.
