During the week of October 16-20, eight faculty members from the University of Kentucky’s Music Department (Lexington, Kentucky, USA) visited the Ionian University to commemorate the Department of Music Studies. The visit took place in the context of the opening of the bilateral relationship between the two academic institutions. During their stay in Corfu, the invited professors gave a lecture at the University of Corfu, seminars, master classes laboratory courses, and a concert on Thursday 19 October 2023.
On Wednesday evening, Dr. Jennifer Cambpell and Dr. Ben Arnold’s lectures on music and diplomacy, as well as music and war, underscored a hope or dream that music can or should sustain: the dream of a peaceful world without aggression and conflict, as well as the idea that music is a universal language that can bring us all together despite of our differences.
Upon the professors’ return to the United States, the Dean of the College of Fine Arts of the University of Kentucky, Prof. Mark Shanda sent a letter of thanks to the Ionian University. He noted that “despite the distance and cultural differences, the music, passion for teaching and learning provide a common language to dream of effective collaborations and exchange opportunities in the future. The strategic plan of our university includes a commitment to increasing high-impact practices such as study abroad and international exchanges for our students and faculty.” The letter concluded “By working together we can achieve great things.”
