The Menuhin Competition comes to Geneva

The Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition was founded by Yehudi Menuhin in 1983. It has become the world's most renowned competition for young violinists. Also known as the "Violin Olympics", the event attracts hundreds of candidates from over 40 countries, of whom only 44 are finally selected. The Competition is held every two years, with each edition taking place in a different city. Its aim is to discover and support young virtuoso musicians under the age of 22 from all over the world, and to offer them the opportunity to become part of the next generation of essential artists.

The Yehudi Menuhin Competition boasts an impressive record of achievements, with some of the world's greatest violinists and laureates among its participants and past winners. Since 1983, numerous prizewinners, including Nikolaj Znaider, Tasmin Little, Julia Fischer, Ilya Gringolts and, more recently, Ray Chen, Chad Hoopes and Stephen Waarts, have launched international solo careers. Some flourish as concertmasters, such as Daishin Kashimoto at the Berlin Philharmonic, while others, like Corina Belcea, lead prestigious chamber orchestras. 

In addition to the competition, each year the Menuhin Competition features a classical music festival, masterclasses and encounters. The members of the Jury are also invited to play, an exception in this kind of event. This is to perpetuate Yehudi Menuhin's philosophy, based on the principle that music creates bonds. The emphasis is on participation and learning rather than winning.

In the past, the Competition has been held in London, for Yehudi Menuhin's centenary (2016), Austin (2014), Beijing (2012) and Oslo (2010). The next edition will take place from April 12 to 22, 2018 in Geneva. The jury will be chaired by Pamela Frank.

Find out more: 2018.menuhincompetition.org/en