The Menuhin Competition is the world’s leading international competition for young violinists, held every two years in a different city (most recently in Geneva in 2018, London in 2016, Austin, Texas in 2014, Beijing in 2012 and Oslo in 2010). Founded by Yehudi Menuhin in 1983 and nicknamed “The Olympics of the Violin,” the Competition attracts hundreds of entries from over 40 countries, choosing only 44 of the world’s very best young violinists to participate. The Competition discovers, encourages and nurtures exceptionally talented young musicians from all corners of the globe under the age of 22 to develop into the next generation of great artists.
As one of Yehudi Menuhin’s most valuable legacies, the Competition continues to uphold his status as a cultural ambassador and true world citizen by creating an exceptional family atmosphere of learning and exchange. Collaborative in its spirit, the focus is placed on participation and learning rather than winning the 1st Prize.
The next edition of the Menuhin Competition will take place in Richmond, Virginia (USA) from May 13-23, 2021. It was originally scheduled for May 2020, but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Competition itself at its heart, each edition of the Menuhin Competition presents an 11-day festival of music, education and cultural exchange. Jurors give performances during the event and competitors participate in masterclasses and consultations with the jury as well as peer to peer learning. The young musicians also become mentors themselves, working with our partners to deliver engagement opportunities in the local community.
Starring a host of internationally acclaimed soloists as jurors and performers alongside 44 of the most talented violin prodigies from around the world, the Menuhin Competition Richmond 2020 is an event not to be missed.
The Menuhin Competition jury has maintained an impeccable reputation for fairness and artistic integrity. Many prizewinners such as Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider, Tasmin Little, Julia Fischer, Ilya Gringolts and more recently Ray Chen, Chad Hoopes and Daniel Lozakovich have gone onto successful international careers as soloists. Some are outstanding concertmasters such as Daishin Kashimoto at the Berlin Philharmonic, and others such as Corina Belcea lead world-class chamber ensembles.
Creating a stimulating environment in which talented young violinists may learn and grow has always been and will remain at the heart of the Menuhin Competition. This is not limited to the Competition period and the Menuhin Competition Trust strives to provide prizewinners with a variety of performance opportunities to develop their musical careers.