In 2005, Music of Remembrance established the David Tonkonogui Memorial Award in memory of our beloved friend and inspiring colleague, cellist David Tonkonogui. The award represents Music of Remembrance's effort to recognize the musical and spiritual values which David Tonkonogui expressed through his music and his life. Cellist Julian Schwarz was the first recipient of this award in May 2005.

In 2006, Music of Remembrance will make this award to a Seattle-based young violinist under the age of 18. This year's recipient of the David Tonkonogui Memorial Award will be invited to perform in a highlighted solo at Music of Remembrance's spring concert at Benaroya Hall on May 8, 2006, and will also receive a cash award of $500 to support his or her continuing musical studies.

Who is eligible?

Violinists under the age of 18 with an interest and commitment to performing music related to the Holocaust -- works created in the ghettos and camps, works banned by the Third Reich, and new music based on Holocaust-inspired themes -- are eligible to apply. Nominations, including self-nominations, may be made by letter to Mina Miller, Artistic Director. Nominations should be accompanied by an audio sample of no more than 10 minutes. Letters of nomination should include two personal/musical references, and the candidate's own statement on the personal significance to him or her of music from and about the Holocaust. Award finalists will be contacted in late January and asked to perform before a panel of MOR musicians. All applications must be received by January 15, 2006 and addressed to:

Mina Miller, Artistic Director
Music of Remembrance
P.O. Box 27500
Seattle, WA 98165-2500

Founded in 1998, Music of Remembrance fills a unique spiritual and cultural role in Seattle and throughout the United States by remembering Holocaust musicians and their art through musical performances, educational activities, musical recordings and commissions of new works.

"It was such a thrill and an honor for me to receive the David Tonkonogui memorial award. He meant so much to me as an inspirational teacher and showed me a path in making music with passion and commitment. Working with the Music of Remembrance musicians made me realize how wonderful they are - how wonderful playing great music with great musicians is - and it elevated my playing to a different level. I am very grateful to the Music of Remembrance for honoring me and for allowing me to participate in one of their magnificent and magical concerts."
- Julian Schwarz, first recipient of the David Tonkonogui Memorial Award

Press Queries: Mina Miller
Phone: 206-365-7770
Email: info@musicofremembrance.org