Scholarship assistance is a vital component in helping students to realize their educational and artistic dreams at Juilliard. Financial aid can change the life of each recipient in positive and significant ways. Through the commitment and support of generous charitable donors, many Juilliard students are relieved of some of their financial concerns, which, if not for help through scholarships, could cause them to incur considerable debt by the time they complete their studies at the School.

Harpist Bridget Kibbey and flutist Julietta Curenton perform as Duo L’Esperance at the BMW pre-performance reception prior to the Juilliard Orchestra concert on February 18. (Photo by Peter Schaaf)

It is an honor to have BMW of North America return for its third year as corporate sponsor of a full-tuition music scholarship. BMW entered into its relationship with Juilliard in recognition of mutually held values of excellence and superb performance, as well as a desire to assist gifted students. Over the years, the BMW Scholarship has enabled each recipient to accomplish educational goals and to focus on developing the talents necessary for a fulfilling musical career.

On February 18, music, celebration, and commitment to quality performance set the tone for an evening saluting this affiliation, when BMW hosted a pre-performance reception prior to the Juilliard Orchestra concert at Avery Fisher Hall. This event was held on the Grand Promenade for invited BMW guests. Tom Purves, C.E.O. and president of BMW of North America, warmly welcomed everyone. He explained that BMW's decision to provide scholarship assistance was motivated by a desire to give back to the community, by easing the student's financial burden for one academic year, in order to help the recipient reach his or her full potential.

(Left to right) President Joseph Polisi; Julietta Curenton, 2001-02 BMW Scholarship recipient; and Thomas Purves, C.E.O. and president of BMW North America. (Photo by Peter Schaaf)

President Joseph Polisi thanked Mr. Purves and BMW for their continued generosity toward Juilliard and for the wonderful evening in recognition of this important partnership. After remarks about the School, President Polisi introduced third-year flute student Julietta Curenton, the 2001-02 BMW Scholarship recipient. For the enthusiastic guests present, Ms. Curenton performed two works with harpist Bridget Kibbey: the first movement of J.S. Bach's Sonata in G Minor (as transcribed by Ms. Kibbey) and Cantabile et Presto by Georges Enesco. Ms. Curenton and Ms. Kibbey frequently perform together as Duo L'Esperance.

BMW's scholarship assistance at Juilliard provides essential encouragement and support for the School's fortunate student recipients. The Juilliard community values BMW as an outstanding partner and is deeply grateful for its remarkable vision and committed involvement.

For more information about contributing to Juilliard, please call the Office of Development and Public Affairs at (212) 799-5000, ext. 278, or visit our Web site: www.juilliard.edu/giving.

Kimberly Atwood is assistant director of foundation and corporate relations.