University of Michigan, University Musical Society-Golden Courage International Partnership
The partnership is a five-year commitment to enhance cultural understanding through education and community outreach, develop appreciation of Chinese culture, and music, and culminate in a performance of the Beijing Opera in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Lu Sr., Senior Volunteer leader of Golden Courage International in China and Former Dean of the Academy of Traditional Chinese Opera is working closely with the key leaders of the University Musical Society both in Ann Arbor and in Beijing. In December, 2009, UMS President Ken Fischer, Performance Director, Michael Kondziolka, and Outreach Director Claire Rice, travelled to Beijing to learn first-hand about the highly rigorous educational training of Beijing opera performers and begin planning for a return visit by Beijing Opera performers to Michigan.
In addition, the University Musical Society leaders met many of the Golden Courage children and staff to prepare for the cultural exchange component of the project which involves children and the school systems in both countries. Golden Courage children will travel to the U.S. to initiate contact with children in the K-12 educational system to heighten the awareness of students in the U.S. to the culture and values in China.
