Principal Investigator: Dr. Daniel Stevens
Co-Investigators: Dr. Sophie Wang, Dr. Serena Scibelli, Dr. Amy Catron
Led by Dr. Daniel Stevens in collaboration with Dr. Sophie Wang (piano), Dr. Serena Scibelli (violin), and Dr. Amy Catron (cello), this project brought the MSU Faculty Piano Quartet to Costa Rica to promote cultural exchange through music. Their mission centered on performing and teaching underrepresented repertoire by U.S. female composers, culminating in a featured performance at the VIII Encuentro de Pianistas Costa Rica 2024 and masterclasses at the SINEM Aguas Zarcas music school.
The team established meaningful partnerships with faculty and administrators at the University of Costa Rica and other music institutions, laying the foundation for future collaborations, including a proposed MSU Study Abroad program in Costa Rica and a faculty exchange initiative. Their work also inspired derivative projects in Italy, Austria, and Finland, and led to a U.S. Embassy grant proposal to Slovenia.
A significant outcome of the project was the recruitment of Costa Rican native and UCR alumna Sara Miranda to the MSU Department of Music, further strengthening ties with the region. The project exemplifies how music can serve as a powerful tool for international engagement, education, and cultural diplomacy.