We are thrilled to announce the 44 incredibly talented young violinists who will compete in the Menuhin Competition London 2016 from 7-17 April.

2016 celebrates founder Yehudi Menuhin’s centenary, which is not the only thing that makes this edition of the Competition very special: Artistic Director Gordon Back says: “London will be the capital of the violin world in April with a festival of excellence for all to enjoy, celebrating all things Menuhin. The applications for London 2016 broke the Competition’s own record and the overall standard was the highest ever. I know Menuhin would have been proud to see and hear these 44 prodigies, as they step out onto the world stage in his centenary year.”

A staggering 36 out of the 44 competitors are girls. Out of the 22 Seniors there is only 1 boy who was selected, and only 7 boys will compete against 15 girls in the Junior section of the Menuhin Competition London 2016.

Past prizewinner and 2016 juror Tasmin Little OBE says: “I celebrate the fact that gender is no longer an issue in the world of violinists. I know my mentor Menuhin would also be delighted as, for him, the most important thing was always the music and the musician, and never their gender, colour, creed or nationality.”

The announcement of the competitors has been eagerly received by the press and was featured in the Guardian, the Independent’s i and the Evening Standard as well as a radio appearance on the BBC World Service. The Guardian reports that “the contest is the world’s leading competition for musicians under 22” and quotes György Pauk, professor of violin at the Royal Academy of Music, saying that “to be accepted at the Menuhin competition is already a big achievement.”

For full details of the 44 competitors click here and check out this video where some of the competitors share their excitement about having been selected to participate.

We are looking forward to April!