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Our History, Purpose, Vision and Mission

In 1976, the world famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin performed at the inaugural Bermuda Festival. We are lucky that whilst here he took such an interest in the island, and took the initiative to fill a void in the lives of Bermuda's children by finding and bringing a string quartet to the island to teach in the schools across the island. He even helped with its initial funding by donating the proceeds of a special concert and by lending his name to The Menuhin Foundation which was formed by an Act of Parliament.  On his return to London, Yehudi Menuhin interviewed and recruited the Heller Quartet to come to Bermuda in August 1976, and they began giving concerts and visiting schools to give group lessons. The Heller Quartet were followed by a series of quartets over the early years and then more emphasis was placed on recruiting teachers for their abilities to continue working with schools and the community at large.

Research shows that learning to play a stringed instrument enhances academic learning and helps to develop discipline and confidence that will serve children well throughout their lives, and contribute to the development of diverse and healthy communities.

Our vision is that all children will have access to the unique social, emotional and intellectual benefits of learning to play a stringed instrument, and develop a lifelong appreciation for music.  Our mission is to provide opportunities for learning, performance and access to instruments regardless of background and resources. Our programmes are delivered by professional teaching staff who are committed to excellence as defined by internationally recognised standards.

Through the commitment and dedication of our Board of Trustees, professional teaching staff and donors, The Menuhin Foundation has made music lessons accessible to thousands of Bermuda’s school children since 1976. We are dedicated to ensuring that future generations of children will continue to receive the gift of playing a stringed instrument and experience the joy and sense of accomplishment in learning how to make music.

You can find out more about our history by watching the following video documentary here