We would like thank our Artistic Director, Gordon Back, who, after 20 years at the helm of our artistic vision, has decided this is the time to retire.

Gordon was involved as a pianist from the very first Competition in 1983 and has seen how it has developed into the truly international and prestigious event it is in the global music calendar today.  Much of that development has been due to his leadership, from collaborating with host cities to reflect their culture in the artistic programme, to challenging our young competitors with increasingly demanding repertoire.

Gordon Back, Artistic Director, with young violinist Sarah Chang and our founder, Yehudi Menuhin. Gordon began playing with Sarah when she was aged 9 years old.

His overwhelming concern has always been to provide a unique platform for the most talented young violinists, inspired by and cementing our Founder’s principles of inclusion, collaboration, nurturing and friendship into all that the Competition does. He has worked tirelessly to support the development of young musicians, with a particular focus on expanding the range of opportunities for participants to perform, learn and meet other young artists. Under his helm, Menuhin Competition alumni have been invited to perform and participate in educational opportunities around the world, in countries including the USA, Japan, China, Switzerland, Germany and the UK.

Gordon with Menuhin Competition prizewinners Ludvig Gudim and Daniel Lozakovich, and former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

We will miss him immensely and take this opportunity to thank him for the extraordinary work he has done for young artists all over the world.

Jessica Brennan will continue to provide leadership to the Menuhin Competition as Chief Executive. Clare Taylor will remain in her role as Project Manager, acting as principal liaison for competitors, jurors, artists and the media.

Gordon on stage during the Geneva 2018 Competition with jurors Itamar Golan, Henning Kraggerud, Lu Siqing, Josef Špa?ek, Ilya Gringolts, Maxim Vengerov, Soyoung Yoon, Joji Hattori and Pamela Frank.

Clara Shen and Gordon Back in performance at the Bode Museum, Berlin.