Edwin Roberto Montealegre Carvajal, a young conductor from Costa Rica, studied at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and chose to stay in Shanghai after graduation. He has turned his long-held dream of establishing his own ensembles in China into reality.

Edwin's journey from international student to entrepreneur has shaped the city's musical scene, founding two ensembles along the way.

He recently gave a lecture at his alma mater. Expressing his affection for Shanghai, Edwin said that beyond the musical and artistic environment, he was also impressed by the convenience of living in the city, especially its safety and orderly surroundings.

In 2017, Edwin completed his bachelor's degree in conducting in Costa Rica. His professor inspired him to pursue further musical training in Shanghai. In 2019, he gained admission to a master's program at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

During his two years of study, Edwin discovered far more than academic growth. He fell in love with everything about the city, from the beautiful bends of the Suzhou Creek and the warm, friendly local people, to the diverse and fascinating art scene. As graduation approached, he considered staying in Shanghai not only as a conductor but also as an entrepreneur.

He applied for the entrepreneurship visa through the Shanghai immigration authorities. This policy for global innovators paved the way for his musical ventures in the city.

Edwin stated that he received a great deal of support throughout the process. For instance, when his long Latin American name caused difficulties in opening a bank account, he received assistance from local authorities to help him obtain a visa.

Edwin also highlighted the launch of the English version of the Government Online-Offline Shanghai (一网通办) website, where progress can be tracked, and all procedures are listed clearly. The English interface is easy for newcomers to follow, and the platform has improved the efficiency of his start-up processes while reinforcing his sense that the city genuinely respects and values foreign entrepreneurs.

Beyond support from the Shanghai government, local community organizations have also become key partners in Edwin's entrepreneurial journey. He collaborated with a community cultural center last year to organize a performance, saying that he was impressed by the enthusiasm of the locals.

His ensembles operate without external funding and are now self-sustaining in Shanghai's performing arts scene. He attributes this success to Shanghai's unique window for entrepreneurship, featuring a precise match between supply and demand, as theaters need fresh content and musicians need new stages.

To date, Edwin has founded the Shanghai M Symphony Orchestra and the Shanghai M Chorus. He has planned and conducted several large-scale concerts, including the 2025 Oriental Soundscapes: National Day Symphony Tribute, held Oct 5 to 6 in the Shanghai Oriental Art Center.

He emphasized that Shanghai's cultural diversity and inclusivity provide both the sources and market demand for entrepreneurs from around the world. Artists from various fields gather here to share ideas and collaborate with outstanding local professionals, creating an ideal environment for innovation. This ecosystem reflects the city's aspiration to become Asia's live performance hub.

From institutional innovation to market opportunities, and from daily convenience to cultural belonging, Shanghai offers foreign entrepreneurs not just a platform to survive, but an ecosystem to thrive. Edwin encouraged more young entrepreneurs worldwide to come to Shanghai, explore its vast opportunities, and even settle here. He shared that not only are music and art flourishing, but numerous entrepreneurial opportunities are also emerging, including the pet economy and the digital economy. The city's innovative vitality, he says, is truly remarkable.

From the volcanic landscapes of Costa Rica to the bends of the Suzhou Creek, Edwin's journey is a moving testament to this city's appeal. The city is opening its doors to the world with a business environment that combines supportive policies, market opportunities, and a high quality of life.

The story of "Stay in Shanghai" continues, with the city welcoming more outstanding young people from around the world to pursue their dreams, and build fulfilling lives here.

Sources: the paper.cn, official WeChat account of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries at "SPAFFC"