Menuhin Foundation Hosts Annual Concert
The Menuhin Foundation [Charity #118] recently held its Annual Concert, marking nearly half a century of nurturing a love and appreciation for stringed instruments.
A spokesperson said, “The event took place at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts and showcased the talents of over 150 students from 20 public and private schools [including the homeschooling families].
“For the second year in a row, the Annual Concert was completely sold out, with over 400 enthusiastic guests celebrating the students’ musical achievements. The Menuhin Foundation’s vision is to bring the art of stringed instruments to all Bermudian children. The Foundation primarily delivers this vision by providing free group lessons at the P4 level, where students learn violin, viola, or cello.
“These lessons provide young musicians with foundational skills and the inspiration needed to cultivate their passion for music, marking the beginning of their journey in the world of strings. What sets the Menuhin Foundation apart is its focus on mastery, giving children the opportunity to showcase their talent on stage. In a fast-paced world that often demands perfection, these lessons offer children the chance to experiment, make mistakes, and try again. This builds the confidence to pick up an unfamiliar instrument and master it enough to perform on stage.
“Verde Brown, Chairperson of The Menuhin Foundation’s Board of Trustees, expressed that, despite not playing any instruments herself, her commitment is driven by a deep passion for creating opportunities that allow children to thrive, regardless of their financial circumstances. She has seen the joy on the children’s faces after orchestra sessions and has witnessed the transformative impact music has on their lives.
Brown said, “With nearly 49 years since our inception in 1976, our Primary School Programme has touched thousands of lives, fostering a vibrant and diverse musical community. We’re proud to ensure that every child has access to the social, emotional, and intellectual benefits of string instrument education. I also see many friendships forming at group lessons and orchestras—many of which would not have happened without this shared love for music.”
The spokesperson added, “This year, the Menuhin Foundation extended its Primary Programme to the Homeschool Network and piloted a new P5 programme at West End Primary. The concert also featured standout performances from the Menuhin’s First Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, Youth Orchestra, the Trio Stringendo, and the Vivace String Quartet, each leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Additionally, the Menuhin Foundation’s Scholarship winner, Prince Domingo—a past participant in the P4 Primary Programme—showcased his viola talent with a beautiful rendition of “Christmas Dance.” The children did an exceptional job!
“The children did an exceptional job playing their instruments, showcasing not only their technical skills but also their passion and dedication to the art of music. Each performance reflected the hours of practice it takes to play a few minutes of musical notes. Their achievements are a testament to the power of music education and the unwavering support of their teachers and families.
“This year’s concert also included a heartfelt tribute to Ms. Alison Black, a dedicated Menuhin Foundation teacher who is stepping down after 13 years of remarkable service. Ms. Black leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having taught hundreds of students and nurtured exceptional talent. Recently, tThree of her students have achieved notable success, winning prestigious awards from the Bermuda Philharmonic Society: Dylan Jeffrey [2024 winner of the Young Composition Competition], Bella Correia [2024 winner of the Young Artist Concerto Competition], and Prince Domingo [2025 winner of the Young Artist Concerto Competition]. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the musical community, inspiring countless young musicians to pursue their passion for strings.”
Mrs. Brown remarked, “A good teacher is like a candle—it consumes itself to light the way for others. Thank you for lighting the way for your students countless times.”
A spokesperson added, “The Foundation’s Primary Programme remains completely free and relies on the generous support of the Bermuda Government, private foundations, businesses, individual donors, and the invaluable contributions of principals, educators, teachers, parent volunteers, and its own teachers and trustees.
“The Primary Programme offers students a glimpse of what lies ahead, and those wishing to further develop their talents are encouraged to continue with individual lessons in the fall term. Bursaries are also available for students who want to pursue string-instrument education further. The Menuhin Foundation offers individual lessons for violin, viola, and cello starting as young as age four, with no upper age limit for beginners.
“For more information on The Menuhin Foundation [Charity #118], including its Primary School Programme, private lessons, bursaries, and how to support its mission, please visit Menuhin.bm or contact trustees@menuhin.bm.”
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