The University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Fine Arts and the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music (ZJCM) recently formalized a landmark international partnership. The collaboration connects UNM with one of China’s leading institutions for higher music education.
According to UNM News, the agreement marks a significant step in UNM’s commitment to global engagement, collaboration and international education.
UNM string faculty members Carmelo de los Santos and Christoph Wagner, traveled to China for the agreement signing. De los Santos is a professor of violin, while Wagner is an assistant professor of cello and head of strings.
They visited during UNM’s winter break and signed an official exchange and cooperation agreement on Dec. 29, 2025. The partnership established new pathways for student exchanges and study abroad opportunities for UNM music students.
During their official engagement, ZJCM invited de los Santos and Wagner to participate in its prestigious New Year’s Concert. They also led masterclasses and engaged in educational activities with ZJCM students.
Their artistic involvement underscored the partnership’s collaborative spirit and showcased the international stature of UNM’s string faculty.
ZJCM is located in Hangzhou, one of China’s most vibrant cultural and technological centers. It features a state-of-the-art campus and a student body of more than 3,000 musicians. It also boasts a world-class faculty representing both Chinese and international traditions.
The institution is widely recognized for its excellence in performance, pedagogy and artistic innovation.
Why UNM and ZJCM’s Partnership Matters
College of Fine Arts Dean Harris Smith highlighted the agreement’s significance and emphasized its impact on the broader UNM community.
“On behalf of the College of Fine Arts and the Department of Music, I am excited about this partnership and the meaningful cultural impact it will have for our faculty and students,” said Smith. “Experiences like these enrich the college experience, fostering artistic growth, global perspective and cross-cultural understanding through music.”
With this historic agreement, UNM Music continues to expand its global footprint and create transformative opportunities for students. It also strengthens international partnerships through artistic excellence.