Nippon Music Foundation is a custodian of the world's top-quality stringed instruments such as those made by Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu. NMF's main objective is to loan the instruments in its collection gratis to accomplished artists as well as to young promising musicians regardless of their nationalities. The Loan Committee, made up of internationally renowned music specialists, is responsible for the selection of musicians for the loan of NMF-owned instruments. As only small number of such masterpiece stringed instruments still exist in good condition, NMF is committed to preserve and maintain those instruments regarded as cultural assets of the world so that they can be handed down to future generations. In the past, many Japanese musicians have made their way to become international performers with the warm understanding and support of the classical music communities in Europe and the U.S. Now that Japan is expected to participate in making musical contributions to the world, NMF is proud to take part in such efforts. With the firm belief that music acts as the best tool for fostering friendship among different nations in the world, NMF strives to continue to expand its activities in the "Loaning of Stringed Instruments". Application Form for a loan of NMF instruments Application Form for a loan of NMF instruments (under 20 years old) Please also send the biography, photo, performance schedule, sample region free DVD and CD, and press materials of the applicants. The Loan Committee is responsible for making basic policies regarding the loaning of instruments belonging to Nippon Music Foundation and for selecting performers to whom the instruments are to be loaned. In principle, musicians applying for the loan of the instruments are asked to participate in an audition in front of the Committee. The committee is composed of members representing Europe, the United States and Asia. Lorin Maazel Conductor, Chairman of the Committee Marta Casals Istomin Former President of Manhattan School of Music Ana Chumachenco Violinist, Professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich Kyung-Wha Chung Violinist, Professor at The Juilliard School Bin Ebisawa Professor at Graduate School of SHOBI University Comte Jean-Pierre de Launoit Chairman of the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition, Belgium Sir Curtis Price Warden of New College, Oxford Janos Starker Professor at Indiana University Kazuko Shiomi President of Nippon Music Foundation Copyright 2010 by Nippon Music Foundation. All rights reserved.