College of Fine Arts and Design

December 18, 2012

Many believe music is the international language. As such, University of Central Oklahoma School of Music faculty member David Forbat, D.M.A., got the opportunity recently to “speak” with numerous students and teachers in China during a series of concerts and master classes derived from growing partnerships with universities and a conservatory in the country.

Forbat, who heads UCO’s piano studies division, performed three formal concerts in music halls at Beijing Normal University, Zhehang Normal University and Xinghai Conservatory, the latter of which the UCO School of Music has already cemented a partnership with and the former of which partnerships are currently being drafted.          

Forbat also performed an informal concert at Minzu University, the first university in China to partner with the School of Music.          

Forbat performed compositions by Johannes Brahms, Francis Poulenc, and Aaron Copland, among other composers during his concert series.          

“His performances were just superb.  All three formal concerts received applause that required an encore,” said Keith White, Ph.D., director of the School of the Music.            

Forbat also taught master classes at each of the Chinese universities and conservatories he visited          

“It was exciting to be immersed in the Chinese culture.  All of the students were extremely talented,” said Forbat.          

During their trip, White and Forbat auditioned 40 music students interested in coming to UCO.          

The partnerships between these Chinese schools and the School of Music continue to blossom as more talk of UCO music faculty members being invited overseas is currently being discussed.           

For more information about the UCO School of Music’s partnerships with China, contact Keith White at (405) 974-5175.