In an era often defined by geopolitical complexities, a timeless language continues to offer a path toward mutual understanding. For Joseph W. Polisi, president emeritus and chief China officer of the Juilliard School, that language is music.
Polisi describes a powerful scene of unity: a student from the Chinese mainland and a student from the United States sharing the same violin stand in an orchestra. Despite the language barrier—one speaking Mandarin and the other English—they play the same music in perfect unison. "They understand it together," Polisi notes. "There is no need for translation."
This belief in the transformative power of art has defined Polisi's distinguished career. Having led the Juilliard School for 34 years—the longest presidential tenure in the institution's history—he has been recognized for his visionary leadership. However, his commitment to global harmony extends beyond the concert hall, rooted in his academic background with a master's degree in International Relations.
In his book The Artist as Citizen, published in 2004, Polisi expressed concern regarding the United States' approach to multilateral relations, suggesting that such strategies often borrowed more from the logic of war than the art of diplomacy. Instead, he champions "cultural diplomacy"—a path toward mutual respect and understanding through the open exchange of ideas and artistic expression.
By positioning music as a bridge across cultural and political divides, Polisi continues to advocate for a world where artistic collaboration serves as a foundation for a more harmonious international community.
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Unending quest for understanding connects China, US through music
cgtn.com
