Born in Taiwan Cho-liang Lin started learning the violin when he was five years old.  He gave his first public performance two years later and, when he was 12, sent to Australia to study at the Sydney Conservatorium.  He arrived in New York in 1975 and was enrolled in the Juilliard School of Music immediately following his audition.  He is now at the forefront of today’s violin virtuosos, having won ovations around the world for his dazzling technique, beauty of tone and depth of interpretation.  Mr Lin’s 1994/94 season is highlighted by an extensive American tour with the Dresden Philharmonic; appearances with the Bournemouth Symphony in New York; tours of the United Kingdom with the Royal Philharmonic and the Bergen Philharmonic; performances with orchestras in Canada, Finland, Belgium, Monaco, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong; as well as numerous recitals and chamber music appearances.  Cho-liang Lin records for the Sony Classical Label, and many of his albums won critical acclaim and coveted awards including “Record of the Year” and “Critic’s Choice” awards by the British magazine Gramophone and the American Stereo Review.  He is now a member of the faculty at Juilliard, and a generous teacher wherever he goes.  As he is in the middle of a concert tour, Mr Lin regrets that he is unable to receive his award in person today.  The Dean of Music, Mr Anthony Camden, will accept it on his behalf.