The Leeds International Piano Competition announced that the new Yaltah Menuhin Award will be presented to the 2018 Competition pianist who demonstrates the greatest collaborative and empathetic qualities in the chamber performance of the semi-final.
Concert pianist Yaltah was the youngest sister of Yehudi and Hephzibah Menuhin. An early part of her career was spent as a recitalist, performing with leading violinists, violists and cellists including George Neikrug, Guy Fallot, Israel Baker and Michael Mann. Towards the end of her career she performed with the then very young rising star Nicola Benedetti.
After Yaltah’s death in June 2001, a memorial fund was created in her name by Charlotte and Iain Phillips. The primary objective of the Yaltah Menuhin Memorial Fund is to help develop the talents of young pianists who have already demonstrated proof of their outstanding musical ability and promise in the practice of their art, by means of awards and bursaries. Current alumni are all in the process of growing their international careers and the distinguished French pianist Cecile Ousset is Honorary Patron of the Fund. Further information about Yaltah’s life and career can be found on www.yaltahmenuhin.com.
The next Leeds Competition will be held in September 2018.
