The competition is for students ages 18-30 who live in or attend school in New England or New York, giving one winner the opportunity to conduct the Boston Pops in Bernstein's Overture to "Candide" during the orchestra's June 7 performance.

The Boston Pops is known as "America's Orchestra," renowned for its broad repertoire. The Best of the Boston Pops features the grandeur and romance of Bernstein, Copland and Rodgers, swinging favorites of Ellington and Gershwin, rock classics from bands like Queen, and the soaring film music of John Williams.

If one word applies to Lang Lang, to the Musician, to the man, to his worldview, to those who come into contact with him, it is "inspiration". It resounds like a musical motif through his life and career.