Menuhin, Yehudi, 1916-99, British violinist and conductor, b. New York City. Menuhin, an extraordinary prodigy, began playing the violin at four. He made his debut with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra at seven, then studied in Europe with Adolf Busch and Georges Enesco. After a world tour (1934-35) of unprecedented success, he retired to study for two years. During World War II he performed hundreds of concerts for Allied troops and relief efforts. He was the founder of Switzerland's Gstaad Festival (1957). Menuhin introduced little-known works and promoted Eastern music in lectures and performances, such as his collaboration with Ravi Shankar, East Meets West. Bartók's Sonata for Solo Violin was written for Menuhin. He became a British subject and was knighted (1985); in 1993 he was created Baron Menuhin of Stoke D'Abernon.

His sister, the pianist Hepzibah Menuhin, 1920-81, b. San Francisco, also a prodigy, often appeared in recital with him. Yaltah Menuhin, 1921-2001, b. San Francisco, their sister and the youngest of the three, was also a classical pianist.

(born April 22, 1916, New York, N.Y., U.S.—died March 12, 1999, Berlin, Ger.) U.S.-born British violinist and conductor. Raised in San Francisco, he made his debut at age seven. In 1927 he studied with George Enescu (1881–1955) in Paris; he returned to perform to tremendous acclaim in New York the same year and went on to astound audiences worldwide with his precocious depth and proficiency. From 1959 he lived in London, but he did not become a British citizen until 1985. He directed the Bath Festival (1958–68) and the Gstaad Festival from 1956. In 1958 he founded his own chamber orchestra. Often accompanied by his pianist sister, Hephzibah (1920–81), he also made recordings with the sitarist Ravi Shankar.

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(born April 22, 1916, New York, N.Y., U.S.—died March 12, 1999, Berlin, Ger.) U.S.-born British violinist and conductor. Raised in San Francisco, he made his debut at age seven. In 1927 he studied with George Enescu (1881–1955) in Paris; he returned to perform to tremendous acclaim in New York the same year and went on to astound audiences worldwide with his precocious depth and proficiency. From 1959 he lived in London, but he did not become a British citizen until 1985. He directed the Bath Festival (1958–68) and the Gstaad Festival from 1956. In 1958 he founded his own chamber orchestra. Often accompanied by his pianist sister, Hephzibah (1920–81), he also made recordings with the sitarist Ravi Shankar.

Learn more about Menuhin, Yehudi, Lord Menuhin of Stoke d'Abernon with a free trial on Britannica.com.

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