AUS partners with Fischoff National Chamber Music Association to bring visiting artists, concerts and masterclasses to campus

The College of Arts and Sciences’ Performing Arts Program at American University of Sharjah has recently spearheaded an MOU between AUS and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association. The agreement was signed on February 3, 2025, by Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah, and Dr. Scott Campbell, who was the Executive Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association at the time.

The newly signed partnership establishes visiting artist residencies at AUS for Fischoff Competition Gold Medal winners and facilitates collaborative events such as concerts, masterclasses, workshops and discussion sessions. It also commits to sharing the insights and outcomes from joint projects with relevant stakeholders and audiences. Over time, CAS expects these new activities to enable a regular flow of exceptional classical musicians to AUS that will benefit AUS’ performing arts students, as well as musical enthusiasts across the wider academic community.

“As Sharjah continues to establish itself as a global cultural hub, this agreement reinforces AUS’s position as a leader in arts, music and theatre education. In addition to its academic impact, this partnership is expected to enhance the cultural landscape of the university and the broader community," said Professor Albert Agha, Head of Performing Arts at AUS.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association to bring world-class musicians to AUS. This collaboration will provide our students and the broader university community with access to top-tier chamber music performances and masterclasses, enriching both their artistic development and academic experience,” said Jennifer Laursen, Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist at CAS, who played a pivotal role in establishing the agreement.

In addition to enriching AUS’ cultural life, the partnership will also contribute to Fischoff’s broader vision to expand the global reach of chamber music and inspire lives through breathtaking performances.

"This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to expand the reach of chamber music, fostering meaningful cultural exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration. The ability to connect Fischoff Gold Medal-winning ensembles with students in the UAE not only enriches their artistic journey, but also strengthens global appreciation for the power of chamber music," said Kevin Kwan Loucks, Honorary Chair of Fischoff National Chamber Music Organization and CEO of Chamber Music America.

The first artist residency stemming from this new MOU began on February 4 and culminated on February 11, with a concert by Trio Azura, an award-winning ensemble that won the 2024 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. The residency also included a joint performance by Trio Azura and the AUS Poetry Club, which blended Arabic, Urdu and English poetry into a program of classical piano trio works, demonstrations, a student-moderated Q&A session and a masterclass.

Based in South Bend, Indiana, USA, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition is the largest and longest-running chamber music competition in the United States. Since its founding, more than 8,000 musicians have competed, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education, including Joshua Bell, an Indiana native and three-time Grammy award-winning violinist.

The Performing Arts Program at AUS provides students with a dynamic environment in which to explore music and theater through academic study, hands-on performance and technical production. It offers minors in music and theater, as well as shorter performing arts courses that foster creativity, collaboration and cultural understanding. With a faculty of experienced performers and scholars, it equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, enriching the AUS community through concerts, theatre productions and other interactive learning opportunities.

For more information, visit the AUS Performing Arts Program page or the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association website.