The artistic career of Menuhin (New York, 22 April 1916-Berlin, 12 March 1999), was developed through seven decades, is one of the most spectacular careers of our time. As a violinist, first and after as conductor he has led the most important international stages with the best orchestras and soloists.

He combined an impeccable technique with an extraordinary understanding of music; he worked a very rich repertoire, from Bach, Ravel and Beethoven to avant-garde music, from Baroque music to jazz improvisations with Stéphane Grapelli.
In 1945 he took part in the opening concert of the UN and returned to Germany to play, advocating the overcoming of the serious consequences of war. In numerous public statements he defended tolerance and cooperation between different nations and cultures.

In 1992 he promoted the establishment of the Yehudi Menuhin Foundation to which he assigned as principal duties the social integration of disadvantaged children through artistic activities, the protection of rights of cultural minorities, the promotion of cultural tolerance and the creation of international cooperation networks in the fields of education and culture.

Throughout his life, he worried about the big issues of this century: as sensitive to education as to the rights of minorities, his actions were always a matter of honour for him.Throughout his music career he defended relentless the weakest people and this gave him numerous awards, among which we should highlight the honour of Lord, the World Peace Award in 1979, the Nerhu Award of Peace in 1960 and the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord in 1997.
 

Source: Yehudi Menuhin Foundation Spain