It is often said that " music is the language of the world which needs no translation " Excellent music relaxes the listener, and some instances give the listener courage and strength.
Yet, assume there were no rare instruments or talented musicians in the world, through what medium would we express our emotions? There would be no way to bring forth the beauty and emotion of sound and impress it upon the listener. On the other hand, if we were blessed with superior budding talent and precious instruments on which to release that talent, wouldn't it be synonymous to the blooming of a giant flower?
In a sense, by making a fine instrument a part of a young musician's life, that young musician can breathe life into the instrument.
The Forval Scholarship aims at making this two way relationship possible. The end result is the fusion of excellence and a superior instrument. This system of lending the queen of fine instruments,the Stradivarius, to the fortunate and talented winners of the Forval Scholarship has been noted as the mounting pillar on which this two way relationship stands.
The foundation has also been fortunate in obtaining the 1697 " Rainville " violin through the kindness and warm assistance of Professor Brainin.
Professor Brainin, along with Professor Miyoshi ( chairman of the judging committee ) and other distinguished professors of music regularly preside as judges for the scholarship contest.
This 1996 year the Forval Scholarship Contest is being held for the third time, and in response to the desire to expand the scope of the program, the program name has been changed to that of the " Stradivarius Concours " .