Following my inner compass

Edwin Montealegre performs with his orchestra. [Photo provided by Edwin Montealegre]

Building a dream in Shanghai

I graduated in June 2023. After graduation, another big question appeared: should I return to Costa Rica or stay in Shanghai? I had interesting opportunities in Costa Rica, but my heart was in Shanghai. I learned that Shanghai had a pilot policy that allowed graduates from several universities, including SHCM, to apply for an entrepreneur visa within two years after graduation. To do that, I needed a business plan. I had never written one before, so I began to research and to shape a plan for a music production company focused on orchestras and choirs. Looking back, that first plan was idealistic, but it contained the vision I still want to build.

At the beginning of 2024, even without strong financial support, I registered the company and began to work. Soon after, we had the opportunity to perform in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, and that became the first moment when I could call together an orchestra. I had never built an orchestra project from zero before: arrangements, scores, rehearsals, stage details, and all the production work behind a concert. It was difficult, but it also showed me that the dream could become real.

At the same time, we realized that many women in Shanghai were looking for meaningful artistic activities in the afternoon. That was the beginning of the Shanghai M Ladies' Choir, which we founded in September 2024. We started with only five singers, and some former classmates from SHCM helped me grow the choir. Today, the choir has about 50 members. It has become a place for vocal development, artistic growth, and real stage opportunities.

In 2026, we opened another women's choir for weekends, Moon Chant Women's Choir, because not everyone is free on weekdays. In September, we will also open a children's choir in Shanghai. In a city with many choirs, including many free choirs, our goal is to offer a different path: a professional, flexible, and meaningful space where people can grow artistically and find a deeper connection with music.

The orchestra has also continued to be part of my vision. Last October, during the Golden Week (China's National Day holiday), we presented concerts at Shanghai Oriental Art Center to celebrate the National Day of the People's Republic of China, performing both Western and Chinese works. Those concerts were meaningful, but the company also faced financial challenges, and we had to pause the orchestra again. This year, on Dec 19, we are preparing a special winter concert that will bring together our choirs and orchestra. We are also planning a New Year concert, and my hope is that in 2027 the orchestra can perform more regularly. That year will also mark the 200th anniversary of Beethoven's death, and I believe it will open many beautiful possibilities.

A message to graduates

To the students of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, I would like to say this: you are part of one of the most important conservatories in the world, and that gives us a responsibility to offer the public our very best. If we compare ourselves, let it be with the person we see in the mirror. There will always be someone with more ability, and someone with less. Our task is not to live watching what others are doing, but to follow our own inner compass and become better every day.

Music can change people. One concert changed my life and inspired me to choose music as my profession. I am deeply grateful to SHCM for pushing me to a higher level, for changing my mindset, and for teaching me to seek excellence. I am also grateful to Shanghai, which has been my home and has given me the opportunity to grow. I look forward to sharing the stage with many SHCM musicians and to offering the public of Shanghai many meaningful musical experiences in the years to come.