Eminent figure in the American music scene, 95-year-old Gary Graffman, attended the event. Liu Shih Kun and Gary Graffman met in 1978 when Liu visited the U.S. As old friends, they conversed in Russia during a touching moment.
The 40th Most Outstanding Asian Artist Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony was held on Saturday, August 12th, in New York, presented by the Chinese American Arts Council (CAAC). Chinese pianist Mr. Liu Shih Kun was honored with this prestigious recognition. Huang Ping, the Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in New York, and Alan Chow, the Founder and Director of the Chinese American Arts Council, jointly presented the award to Liu Shih Kun. Representatives of the State of New York and New York City Mayor’s office were present at the ceremony, bringing with them citations and delivering a congratulatory speech on behalf of the Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams.
A Pioneer in U.S.-China Cultural Exchange
Citations by New York State Governor and New York City Mayor Signed
Representatives of the State of New York and New York City Mayor’s office were present at the ceremony, bringing with them citations and delivering a congratulatory speech on behalf of the Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams. Governor Hochul congratulated Liu Shih Kun, acknowledging his outstanding accomplishments as a remarkable pianist and musician and the immense pride he has brought to Asian communities throughout his life. This marks the first time a foreign Asian artist has received such an honor this year.
Mayor Eric Adams described Liu Shih Kun as "a globally acclaimed piano prodigy and performer who has made a tremendous contribution to the cultural sector" and celebrated "the incredible and inspiring imprint he has made on budding musicians around the world and across generations.”
Ambassador Huang Ping highlighted how Liu Shih Kun's artistic achievements and journey have influenced countless Chinese children and how in today's global village, mutual understanding and appreciation are crucial, and Liu Shih Kun's work serves as a bridge of friendship between different cultures.
Wu Han, Artistic Director of Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, delivered an impromptu speech, “I am here representing all of the young musicians, especially pianists, to thank you for your incredible contributions. You have served as a shining example for all the young musicians like me.” Qian Jing, representing Ambassador of Australia to the United States Dr. Kevin Rudd, conveyed a message that Liu Shih Kun’s story and contribution bring love and strength to the world.
Former Prime Minister of Australia and current Ambassador of Australia to the United States Dr. Kevin Rudd, former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and his wife, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the 1st and 2nd Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region Edmund Ho, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng, Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun, the 101-year-old first Chinese Nobel laureate Chen-Ning Yang, and writer Feng Jicai all extended their congratulations to Liu Shih Kun. Chen-Ning Yang described Liu Shih Kun as "one of the greatest pianists of this century," while Feng Jicai stated that Liu Shih Kun's award was "a momentous event in the world of arts and a positive development in Sino-American exchange." Jacques Marquis, CEO and President of Van Cliburn Foundation thanked Maestro Liu for being such an inspiration for Chinese pianists, but also for pianists all over the world. Robert Blocker, Dean of the Yale School of Music, conveyed warm congratulations, affirming that "Shih Kun is one of the world's great artists, an extraordinary pianist, an incomparable improvisor at the keyboard, a composer, and most of all, a wonderful human being. "
At the ceremony, Chen Yimiao, a third-generation descendant of the legendary Chen erhu sect, performed an improvisational rendition of Wild Flying Horses.
The 84-year-old Liu Shih Kun improvised performances of the Chinese song Ode to the Motherland and the American song America the Beautiful. The latter was a piece played during President Nixon's visit to China. His performance garnered enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Photos ©Sandy Fan
