Founded by Yehudi Menuhin in 1983, the Menuhin Competition attracts some of the world’s best violinists under the age of 22.The Menuhin Competition Austin 2014 opens with a spectacular array of music, soloists and one of America’s top university orchestras — the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra (UTSO) under the baton of Gerhardt Zimmermann.

In the spirit of the competition, acclaimed international soloists share the stage with outstanding young talents. Former prize winner and internationally acclaimed violinist Ilya Gringolts will be joined by Austin’s very own Anton Nel in Mendelsohn’s Double Concerto for Piano and Violin. French violinist meets Fench composer when Olivier Charlier performs Dutilleux’s Sur le même accord and last year’s Juniors First Prize winner, American Kevin Zhu plays Waxman’s Carmen Fantasy.