Arturo Sandoval joined the University of Notre Dame for its 2016 Commencement Ceremony where he played an emotional solo of the “Ave Maria” before receiving his Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts. This otherwise chilly May day began a new and warm partnership between “Dr. Sandoval” and his immediately “beloved alma mater.”

Arturo returned the following year to record “Arturo Sandoval’s Christmas at Notre Dame” with the university’s bands and choirs, including local children from the South Bend community. The soon to be holiday time favorite will be released in Autumn 2018.

So enchanted by his week on campus working with students, faculty and administrators, Arturo committed himself and ASI to improving access to ND’s vital Sacred Music program. The “Arturo Sandoval Institute Scholarship for Sacred Music” will begin in the 2019-2020 school year. Declared Music Majors can apply through the university. Each will be considered based on academic achievement, financial need, and qualities of musical leadership. Scholarship winners will earn $5,000 per year and one personal Master Class with Arturo, and in return give 10-hours each semester sharing and growing music with city’s neediest students and the local community.