How it all started...

For its founder Yehudi Menuhin the key to his success was his excellent music education as a child and the 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 two decades ago, the Menuhin Competition has brought together musicians from all over the world in an exceptional atmosphere of learning and exchange.

Having found a home 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.