While the contest between the world’s most accomplished youth violinists is the main attraction, the Menuhin Competition offers much more than rooting for your favorite musician. The Competition opens an online global stage for tremendous performances and master classes from rock stars in the world of violin.
CONCERTS
On Monday night, May 17, American jazz violinist Regina Carter will perform with her quartet in collaboration with the Richmond Jazz Society. A recipient of top musical awards, including the MacArthur “genius” award, Carter is widely hailed for her mastery of the violin and her drive to expand its possibilities.
The Menuhin Competition will also feature fiddling legend Mark O’Connor, joined by his wife Maggie, on May 19. They will highlight Virginia’s musical roots by bringing a broad and interconnecting collection of American music through violin/fiddle solos and duos.
And because the Menuhin Competition is for youth, they will offer two concerts featuring some of the best youth violinists from around the world. On Tuesday, May 18, the two first-prize winners of the Menuhin Geneva 2018 competition, Chloe Chua and 13-year-old Christian Li, will perform a show-stopping repertoire, from Chausson and Faure to Ysaÿe and Heifetz.
Then The Competition brings The Sphinx Virtuosi, one of the United States’ most dynamic chamber orchestras, comprised of top Black and Latinx classical soloists. This concert showcases The Sphinx Virtuosi mission of advancing diversity in classical music by presenting varied works from composers of color alongside well-known masterpieces.
WORKSHOPS
The Menuhin Competition also brings two, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to enrich your own talent and deepen your experience with the music:
First, jurors for Menuhin Competition - acclaimed performers in their own right - will offer masterclasses throughout the day of May 20, intended to guide the next generation of outstanding musicians by working on a range of repertoire with the 2021 Menuhin competitors.
Then on Friday afternoon, May 21, Aaron Dworkin, founder of the Sphinx Organization, will lead the virtual panel discussion, The Danger of a Single Story: The Importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Arts and Their Role in Society . This panel includes local arts leaders Jennifer Arnold of the Richmond Symphony; Alex Nyerges of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; Wesley Taylor of VCU’s School of the Arts; and Stoner Winslett of the Richmond Ballet.
WHERE TO WATCH
All performances and workshops are free and streaming online through VPM, the Menuhin Competition website, and on the Menuhin Competition YouTube channel.
Missed a show or class? Recorded content will be available at the Menuhin Competition YouTube channel throughout the week.
The Menuhin Competition Richmond 2021 is produced, streamed and televised by VPM. VPM Music is also broadcasting The Competition locally on 107.3 FM and 93.1 FM, as well as streamed digitally online. The events, including the competition, can be seen on the Menuhin Competition Richmond 2021 website, YouTube Channel, and VPM’s Menuhin website.
