Today marks the centenary of the birth of our founder, Lord Menuhin. We began the celebration of his birthday with an entertaining lecture Yehudi Menuhin: Man and Music by Humphrey Burton who shared memories of a friendship spanning forty years.

“I first met Yehudi Menuhin in 1959 when I directed him in a short film for BBC TV about his friendship with Bela Bartok, so I knew Menuhin for the last forty years of his life,” says Burton. “I made a 20-part series with him for Classic FM in 1996, and then went on to write his biography.”

“I am so happy to be able to share my memories with the pupils, staff and visitors to the School.

They all know how important Yehudi was but there is nothing to match film for providing insight into the real person behind the legend. Thanks to the archive excerpts I wanted to show the audience what a gentle giant he was, and what a lovely man!”

Music lovers all over the world are marking Menuhin’s centenary with a variety of concerts, broadcasts and musical events that pay homage to his remarkable life and legacy.

In this photograph, Humphrey shares a moment with our Music Director Malcolm Singer and Classic FM producer Jamie Beesley. Classic FM recorded parts of Humphrey’s visit to the School for use in the 19th episode of his 20-part series Yehudi Menuhin: The Master Musician, entitled Utopia in Stoke d'Abernon, which aired on Saturday 14 May at 9pm.

22 Apr 2016