The Menuhin Competition has received a record number of applications for its 2020 edition. Taking place in Richmond, Virginia, the violin contest received a total of 321 applications.
Applications are split into two categories, with 152 juniors (15 and under) and 169 seniors (21 and under). 59% identify as female, 41% identify as male – a significant increase in the number of male applications when compared to the previous edition in Geneva.
The US is, unsurprisingly, the most represented country, with one third of the prospective candidates coming from there. Other countries with strong representation are China (16%), South Korea (10%) and Japan (9%).
The pre-selection jury, led by artistic director Gordon Back, will now review the applications. Other jurors include Alf Richard Kraggerud (vice principal at Barratt Due Institute of Music) and Simon Blendis (professor of violin at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama).
In total, 44 candidates will go on to participate in Richmond. The competition, which is known as ‘the Olympics of the violin’, runs from 14-24 May, 2020.
