Proyecto Olga Iglesias establishes a formal alliance with the Corporación de Artes Musicales to collaborate with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra and expand musical education programs.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Proyecto Olga Iglesias (OIP) announces the formalization of a historic strategic alliance with the Corporación de Artes Musicales (CAM), the government entity that administers the prestigious Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. This Memorandum of Understanding, signed on February 19, 2024, establishes an unprecedented collaboration framework that promises to revolutionize musical education and artistic development in Puerto Rico.
An Alliance That Honors Musical Legacy
The formalized collaboration recognizes the historical connection between both organizations, particularly the fact that Olga Iglesias was a frequent collaborator with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. This new alliance not only honors that legacy but projects it into the future through innovative educational and artistic initiatives.
Anthony Cheney Guzmán, Executive Director of Proyecto Olga Iglesias, expressed his enthusiasm: “This alliance with CAM represents the materialization of a long-cherished dream. Being able to formally collaborate with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, where Olga Iglesias shone on so many occasions, is profoundly meaningful. This partnership will allow us to take musical excellence to new levels and expand our educational reach exponentially.”
Melissa Santana, Executive Director of CAM, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration: “Proyecto Olga Iglesias has demonstrated exceptional commitment to musical education and the preservation of our cultural heritage. Their expertise in innovative educational programs and their network of talents perfectly complement our mission to promote symphonic music in Puerto Rico. This alliance will significantly strengthen our institutional capabilities.”
Strategic Alliance Commitments
Regular Artistic Participation
The alliance guarantees that OIP fellowship artists will participate in at least two annual dates of the official Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra concert season, providing young talents with a world-class platform for their professional development.
Joint Educational Program
OIP artists will integrate into the prestigious “Conoce tu Orquesta” Educational Program (PEDCO), bringing their specialized knowledge of Puerto Rican classical music to educational organizations through interactive musical talks.
External Resource Development
Both organizations will collaborate in identifying and managing external funding opportunities, leveraging OIP’s experience in grant acquisition and CAM’s prestigious reputation to secure resources that benefit both institutions.
Cross-Promotion
The alliance establishes mutual use of organizational logos in promotions and publications of collaborative events, maximizing reach and recognition for both institutional brands.
Impact on Musical Education
This collaboration will transform Puerto Rican musical education by combining:
- OIP’s educational expertise with its successful model of school workshops on Puerto Rican musical legacy
- CAM’s world-class musical resources including the Symphony Orchestra and its technical facilities
- An expanded network of talents that includes both emerging fellowship recipients and established professional musicians
Recognition of Strategic Alliances
The Memorandum recognizes the important alliances that OIP has established, including:
- Puerto Rico Department of Education (official endorsement)
- Metropolitan Opera of New York
- Pablo Casals Foundation of Spain
- Sacred Heart University
This network of alliances, now complemented with CAM, positions OIP as a central player in the Puerto Rican and international musical education ecosystem.
Responsibility Structure
Proyecto Olga Iglesias Commitments:
- Cover artist fees for participants in collaborations
- Assume necessary artistic expenses (singers, accompanist pianists)
- Contribute talents for the PEDCO Program
- Provide technical assistance for grant management
- Collaborate in public relations strategies
CAM Commitments:
- Identify and reserve specific dates for collaborations
- Include OIP logos in promotional materials
- Cover orchestra musician fees
- Provide logistical support and technical facilities
Sustainable Collaboration Model
The alliance establishes an innovative public-private collaboration model where a nonprofit organization specialized in musical education strategically integrates with a public corporation, maximizing resources and expertise for the common benefit of Puerto Rican musical education.
The agreement, with an initial validity of one year and possibility of renewal, includes comprehensive legal safeguards and complies with all governmental ethics requirements, ensuring transparency and institutional sustainability.
Future Projection
This alliance lays the foundation for future initiatives that could include:
- Joint musical productions featuring Puerto Rican repertoire
- Artistic residency programs for OIP fellowship recipients
- Recording and digital preservation initiatives
- International expansion of educational programs
About Corporación de Artes Musicales (CAM)
The Corporación de Artes Musicales is a public corporation of the Government of Puerto Rico, created under Law No. 4 of July 31, 1985. CAM administers the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra and is dedicated to the development, promotion, and advancement of symphonic music in the archipelago, being recognized as the country’s premier symphonic musical institution.
About Proyecto Olga Iglesias
Founded in 2020, Proyecto Olga Iglesias is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Puerto Rican classical music. Through innovative educational programs, scholarships for emerging artists, and strategic alliances, OIP works to ensure that Puerto Rico’s musical traditions continue to inspire future generations.