The new relationship gives a chance for exceptional young talents from around the world to make and release their first professional recordings
London-based record label Orchid Classics are set to launch an exciting new partnership with The Yehudi Menuhin School designed to introduce outstanding young musicians to the intense concentration, discipline and satisfaction of recording.
Its first fruits will appear in 2022 with the release of an album comprising performances by a selection of exceptional talents from the Surrey-based school’s international cohort. It, and subsequent releases, will document music made by the next generation of professional performers.
The partnership will run initially for three years, and provide a focal point for followers of some of the world’s finest young instrumentalists. The deal was directly inspired by the example of the School’s founding father, Yehudi Menuhin. The late, great violinist began his recording career at the age of 13 and remained with the same record label for almost 70 years, the longest contract in the history of recorded music.
Menuhin believed passionately in nurturing excellence from the earliest age, and was equally committed to dissolving barriers between different nationalities, creeds and identities through music and education.
He founded the School that bears his name in London in 1963 and oversaw its development after it moved to its present site in the village of Stoke D’Abernon. Pupils have always been offered a place based solely on their talent and passion for music; today around 90% of pupils require financial aid to study.
Ashley Wass, Director of Music at the Yehudi Menuhin School, comments: "This is a wonderful educational opportunity for the remarkably talented pupils of YMS.
Our collaboration with Orchid represents an exciting development as the School enters a new phase in its illustrious story. Our first album will showcase the diversity and internationalism of our community, and I can’t think of a more appropriate record label with which to join forces."
Find out more about The Yehudi Menuhin School here.