VC INSIGHT | Tasmin Little — "My Menuhin Competition Experience"

The British violinist talks us through her time at the Menuhin Competition

"I took part in the very first Menuhin competition in 1983! It was a really joyful experience as well as exciting to get the third prize! As my first international competition at 17 years old, it gave me a lot of confidence to have done well. It also gave me an introduction to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra who began to give me some of my early solo engagements. This relationship has continued throughout my career.

In 1985, I entered the competition again and gained second prize — this strengthened my contacts and I was taken on by my first agent. 

I have also kept in contact with some of the people I met at the competition, so it holds a happy place in my memory!

I have enjoyed a fulfilling career for over 30 years which has taken me all over the world and I have enjoyed working with some of the best conductors and orchestras. At the end of 2020, I retired from the concert stage but I’m looking forward to continuing my role in music and I will give masterclasses as well as adjudicate some international competitions."

-Tasmin