NEC Musicians Share Jazz and Classical Traditions at 23rd Panama Jazz Festival

Earlier this month, members of the NEC community returned to Panama as part of the Conservatory’s ongoing collaboration with the Panama Jazz Festival, contributing performances, educational programming, and mentorship across jazz and classical traditions during the festival’s 23rd year.

Representing NEC’s Jazz Studies department, students Rachel Ambaye ’27 MM, Josh Gagnon ’26 DM, Kazuki Tsubakida ’26, Oscar Peterson ’27 MM, and Victor Giraldez ’27 traveled alongside Jazz Studies Department Chair Ken Schaphorst '84 MM. Throughout the festival, the group worked closely with Panamanian students through master classes and appeared in multiple performances, including a concert at the Ateneo Theater and the festival’s concluding outdoor event at the Cuadrángulo Central at Ciudad del Saber University.

In parallel with the jazz programming, NEC faculty, alumni, and students led the 13th annual Intercambio de Música Clásica, a four-day chamber music initiative focused on strings and piano. Violinist KJ McDonald ’25 GD, ’26 MM and pianist Andrew Jun Chen ’24 MM, members of Trio Eris, NEC’s Piano Trio in Residence, joined Tanya Maggi and NEC alumna Amelia Hollander Ames ’04 MM to guide the program.

Hosted at the newly opened Ciudad de las Artes and supported by Panama’s Ministry of Culture, the classical exchange welcomed more than 100 participants ranging from young beginners to advanced musicians. The week featured group workshops, individual lessons, master classes, and chamber music coaching, culminating in a final student performance that celebrated the collaborative spirit of the program.

NEC’s multifaceted participation in the Panama Jazz Festival continues to reflect the Conservatory’s dedication to global engagement, music education, and artistic connection across borders, an experience marked this year by shared learning, vibrant performances, and a strong sense of community.