Founded by Yehudi Menuhin in Folkestone, England in 1983 the Menuhin Competition is the world's leading international violin competition for young players under the age of 22, held every two years in a different world city. Divided in two age groups, Junior competitors have to be younger than 16 years and Seniors younger than 22. To honour and celebrate Yehudi Menuhin's life and legacy in the centenary year of his birth, the Menuhin Competition Trust staged an 11 day festival of concerts, events, education and outreach activities in London from 7-17 April 2016, embodying Lord Menuhin's philosophy that music connects. Prior to the Menuhin Competition London 2016 the Competition was held in Austin, Texas in 2014, Beijing in 2012 and Oslo in 2010. It attracts hundreds of entries from over 40 countries, choosing only 44 of the world's very best young violinists to participate. The competition discovers, encourages and nurtures exceptionally talented young musicians from the UK and the rest of the world under the age of 22 years to develop into the next generation of great artists. The Menuhin Competition jury has maintained an impeccable reputation for fairness and artistic integrity. Creating a stimulating environment in which talented young violinists may learn and grow has always been and will remain at the heart of the Menuhin Competition and the London 2016 Competition starred a host of internationally acclaimed soloists and 44 of the most talented violin prodigies from around the world together with London's best musicians and orchestras.As one of Yehudi Menuhin's most valuable legacies, the competition continues to uphold his status as a cultural ambassador and true world citizen by creating an exceptional family atmosphere of learning and exchange for the competitors. The next Menuhin Competition will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 12-22 April 2018.