Originally called the New York Music Festival, the competition was created to promote youth’s appreciation of music and to give an opportunity for young people to display their musical talent. Today, the competition holds these same values, but on a larger scale.

With what began as a small piano contest with only 74 contestants, quickly turned into a musical gala that now features the violin and cello. According to the competition coordinator, Min Kang, more than 300 youths participated in last year’s competition and, since beginning in 1998, the total number of participants is over 1,050.

Contestants who wish to play piano must be between the ages of seven and 15 as of March 5. Violin contestants can be up to 15 years old, and cello contestants must be between the ages of nine and 17. To audition, participants must complete an application form, including proof of birth, one photo of the contestant and a non-refundable fee of $100, and have it postmarked by March 5. Forms can be picked up at the YWCA of Queens, located at 42-07 Parsons Boulevard in Flushing.

Auditions will take place Monday, March 29 through Thursday, April 1 at the YWCA Auditorium.

Last spring, the competition named 44 winners and included first and second prizes of $100 and $200. The grand prize winner received $500. In the past, winners have had the privilege of performing their pieces at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall.

 

03-07-2010 15:36
Korea Times – Dalai Lama and Aung San Suu Kyi
By Nehginpao Kipgen

The politics of a nation is strengthened by the participation of the people who run the government and the opposition who checks the balance of power. A government earns credibility when it can tolerate the varied views of its citizens.

It is fortunate that there have been no major global conflicts since the end of World War II in 1945. However, it is disheartening to see that there are nations who still will not tolerate the dissenting views of its own people, especially individuals who are admired by the international community.

The struggles of the Dalai Lama of Tibet (now under China) and Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar (Burma) are an inspiration to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Yet, the very same individuals are treated as if they are threats to peace and security by governments in their respective native lands.

Tenzin Gyatso, popularly known as the 14th Dalai Lama, has been in exile since the failed Tibetan uprising in 1959. Born on July 6, 1935, the 74-year-old Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader and head of the Tibetan government-in- exile based in Dharamshala, India.

Aung San Suu Kyi, born on June 19, 1945, is the only daughter of Aung San, who negotiated the independence of Myanmar from British rule. The 64-year-old Suu Kyi, after having lived years abroad, returned to her native country in 1988.

There are a number of similarities the two individuals share in common that have earned them international respect.

First, both are recipients of the much coveted Nobel Peace Prize. The Dalai Lama was awarded the prize in 1989, and Suu Kyi in 1991.

Second, both are recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award in the United States of America. The Dalai Lama received the award in 2007, while Suu Kyi was bestowed in absentia in 2008.

Third, both individuals are denied the chance of political leadership in their own countries. The two enjoy significant support internationally, mostly from the Western world.

Despite their popularity at home and abroad, one has spent his life in exile for over 40 years, while the other has spent 14 years of her life under house arrest.

Though the Dalai Lama openly claims that his movement is for genuine autonomy and not complete independence, the Chinese government accuses him as a dangerous separatist. His recent visit to the White House on Feb. 18 was strongly protested by Beijing.

In his Cable News Network (CNN) interview aired on the evening of Feb. 22, the Dalai Lama was asked what he wants from President Barack Obama and America.

The Dalai Lama stated his three commitments, including the “promotion of human value in order to create a better world, a more compassionate world, a peaceful world.”

Washington’s welcoming of the Tibetan leader heightened the strained Sino-U.S. ties, which happened in the face of tensions over U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan, China’s currency practices and internet censorship.

With China’s rising economic power and its critical role in international politics as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, Washington needs Beijing’s partnership, especially on issues such as imposing tougher sanctions on Iran, preventing nuclear proliferation on the Korean Peninsula and forging a new global accord on climate change.

The United States also wants to prove to the free world that it is a champion of human rights. The 70-minute meeting between President Obama and the Dalai Lama perhaps pacified many who say that Obama has focused on global issues with Beijing at the expense of human rights.

On the other hand, Aung San Suu Kyi is serving her latest 18 months of house arrest. In its ruling on Feb. 26, the country’s Supreme Court rejected her appeal for freedom. A reason was not given for the decision.

Suu Kyi is the one individual probably feared most by the military junta. For many Myanmar observers, the court’s ruling was not surprising.

Even if the junta considers releasing her before the proposed general election this year, it is likely to come with conditions. The more likely scenario is that she will be freed after the election.

One reason of Suu Kyi’s unlikely release before election is that the military learnt a lesson from the 1990 general election, in which the military-backed National Unity Party secured only 10 seats, while the National League for Democracy, Suu Kyi’s party, won 392 seats in the 492-member assembly.

The military would not want history to repeat itself. Aung San Suu Kyi apparently enjoys strong support from the people of Myanmar’s diverse ethnic nationalities.

Despite the reservation of 25 percent of parliament seats for the military, the opposition still has a greater chance of winning more seats provided that there is a free and fair election.

Despite the troubles the two Nobel Peace laureates have faced, their spirits for the freedom of their own people are unrelenting. Similarly, the support from the international community does not seem to dwindle either.

It is still, however, precarious if and when they will be given a chance to head governments in their respective countries. Recent developments pertaining to the two democratic icons have once again caught the attention of the international community.

Nehginpao Kipgen is a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Myanmar (1947-2004) and general secretary of the U.S.-based Kuki International Forum (www.kukiforum. com). He has written numerous analytical articles on the politics of Myanmar and Asia that have been widely published in five continents (Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America).