About the Menuhin Competition

The Menuhin Competition is one of the few international violin competitions for young musicians under the age of 22. It is open to participants of all nationalities and is comprised of two age groups: Juniors (under the age of 16) and Seniors (16 to 21 years of age).

For 27 years it has attracted the greatest young talents from all over the world.

Going beyond the boundaries of traditional music competitions, the Menuhin Competition is a truly exceptional feast for music and violin fans from all over the world. Each competition features a series of events by its jury members and other world-class performers.

The competition is traditionally invited by a host city or a host organisation and has most recently been held in Folkestone/England, Boulogne-sur-Mer/France, London/England, Cardiff/Wales, Oslo/Norway and Beijing/China (in 2012).

Interested host cities or potential partner organisations are invited to contact us.

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How it all started...

For its founder Yehudi Menuhin the key to success was his excellent music education as a child and his ongoing dialogue and collaboration with fellow musicians.

To enable young violinists from all over the world to have an equally enriching and stimulating environment, he founded

• the Yehudi Menuhin School in England in 1963
• the Menuhin Music Academy for young virtuosi in Gstaad/Switzerland in 1977 – also the site of the annual summer festival
• the Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists in Folkestone/Britain in 1983

Since its inception over 25 years ago, the Menuhin Competition has brought together musicians from all over the world in an exceptional atmosphere of learning and exchange.

Having been hosted in Folkstone/UK, Boulogne sur Mer/France, London/UK and for 2008 in Cardiff, Wales/UK the competition has always attracted some of the most promising young violinists from all over the globe. Many of its prize winners have embarked on successful international careers.

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How the Menuhin Competition works

The Menuhin Competition is run by the Yehudi Menuhin Young Violinists International Competition Trust, a UK-based charity.

The Trustees nominate an Executive Committee consisting of the charity's Chairman, the Artistic Director and the General Manager. The Executive Committee deals with the day-to-day management of the competition and related activities and events.

The Menuhin Competition takes place every two years, and is organised as a collaboration between the Trust and host organisations of the city or country in which the competition takes place.

Since its inception in 1983 it has taken place in Folkestone, England; Boulogne-sur-Mer, France; London, England; Cardiff, Wales; and Oslo, Norway. In 2012 it will for the first time take place outside of Europe, in Beijing, China.

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Executive Committee of the Competition

Duncan Greenland Competition Chairman	Duncan Greenland
Joji Hattori Competition President	Joji Hattori Joji Ha
Gordon Back Artistic Director	Gordon Back Gord
Susanne Barthelmes General Manager	Susanne Barthelm

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2012 - Our Beijing Hosts

The Central Conservatory of Music is the national leading musical institution in Beijing, China. Founded in 1950, the Conservatory offers courses to both Chinese nationals and foreign students, and caters for all levels from primary up to postgraduate programmes.

In recent years the Conservatory has developed strong relationships with overseas institutions and individuals. Foreign musicians and scholars are frequently invited to teach or offer lectures at the Conservatory which, in turn, also sends its own faculty members and students to other countries to pursue further studies, lecture, or give performances.

The Conservatory campus covers 53,000 square metres in the centre of Beijing comprising a complex of traditional and modern buildings. The Conservatory Music Library accommodates over 500,000 volumes and is the largest of its kind in China. The Conservatory also owns over 500 pianos and a large number of other musical instruments; its educational facilities include an electronic music studio with advanced recording and video equipment, and a violin workshop.