52 students from different faculties have enrolled in the first edition of the “Artistic Talent Program” of the University of Navarra. It is an initiative promoted by the Creative Campus area of ​​the University of Navarra Museum, which seeks to allow students to continue their artistic training in combination with their studies. Students have enrolled in three modalities, according to their artistic discipline: choir (10), symphony orchestra (22) and theatrical training plan (20).

The program director, Carlos Bernar, explains that the proposal arises from “the need to facilitate students to make their academic studies compatible with their artistic talents”. He emphasizes that art and creativity are increasingly valued in the formation of people. In this sense, he said: “University training is not exclusively academic, so we must enhance the talents that each student has”.

Students participating in the program must attend on time to the planned rehearsals, the corresponding concerts and performances and maintain the expected academic level with their advisor. In addition, their faculties will be flexible with changes in exam dates, class schedules, seminars, assignments ... etc. During their academic studies, students have the possibility of obtaining 2 credits per course and up to a maximum of 6.

In this first edition of the Artistic Talent Program, of the 52 participants, distributed by the faculties of Communication, Philosophy and Letters, Medicine, Science, Pharmacy and Nutrition, ISSA, Nursing, Architecture and Law, 14 are from Navarra. Among them, Amaya Arboniés Cabodevilla, 20 years old, a second-year nursing student and one of the violinists of the Symphony Orchestra. “I've been playing the violin for 13 years”, she says. “The truth is that it is quite complicated to combine academic studies with my dedication to music. Schedules sometimes overlap and we don't have time for a break not even for a second, which ends up being exhausting and stressful. I think this program can help us to organize better”, he says.

Álvaro Dawid de Vera, 20 years old and a third-year student of History and Journalism participates in the theater training plan, in fact he is the director of the “Mutis por el Foro” group. Dawid says that combining theater with a university degree is possible and values ​​the start of the Artistic Talent Program. “I have requested to be part of the program to make reconciliation between the two worlds easier. It is a joy that our work and our commitment to this activity that brings us much, is well recognized. In addition to having a great time and meeting other students, theater helps you to grow in confidence when public speaking, improves body expression and the ability to work in groups”.

Philippine Lestienne, is a French student of ISSA (School of Management Assistants), participates in the Artistic Talent Program as a member of the choir. He loves to sing and highlights the good atmosphere of the university choir. “The teachers have a lot of confidence in us and have already scheduled two concerts”, he says. “The program allows me to combine my academic and artistic training: It is a great opportunity. I think the main challenge is that the opportunity to become a professional in a choir while studying gets real”.