Programme

Yehudi Menuhin – an unsurpassable legend in the violin world – was an inspirational violinist and pedagogue active in the 20th century. At seven years old, he made his début with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, and as a teenager he was already known as one of the finest violinists of the time, recording the première album of Elgar’s Violin Concerto at the age of 16 with the composer himself conducting.

A true believer in the healing and transcendent powers of music, Menuhin was the first Jew to perform in Germany after World War II. He also poured his heart and soul into nurturing the next generation of musicians, founding the renowned Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK in 1963, and establishing the prestigious Menuhin Competition for Young Violinists in 1983.

In tribute to Menuhin’s monumental influence and legacy, distinguished violinist Alexander Sitkovetsky and Hong Kong Sinfonietta’s Concertmaster James Cuddeford – both former students of Menuhin – will join hands to present a concert of fantastic music for strings. From Bach’s well-loved Concerto for Two Violins in D minor and Elgar’s exquisite Serenade for Strings, to Bartók’s captivating Divertimento and the Hong Kong première of Panufnik’s Violin Concerto, join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the beauty and enchantment of some of the best works written for strings.

Alexander Sitkovetsky (Violin/Director)

“Sitkovetsky harks back to an older tradition of violin playing not often heard these days.
Washington Post

• Founding member of the award-winning Sitkovetsky Trio
• Artistic Director, NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra Wroclaw, Poland
• Associate Artist, Yehudi Menuhin School
• Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award winner 2016
• Has performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Munich Chamber Orchestra etc

James Cuddeford (Violin)

“Concertmaster James Cuddeford stood out in his solo, elevating a sentimental melody to eloquence with sweetness and authority.”
South China Morning Post

“Cuddeford’s playing throughout was of sumptuous finesse and extraordinary polish.”
The Australian

• Concertmaster, Hong Kong Sinfonietta
• Joined the internationally acclaimed Australian String Quartet in 1998, and has directed from the violin many orchestras in Australia, Japan and Europe

Featured artists:

Alexander Sitkovetsky
(Violin)

James Cuddeford
(Violin)

Andrzej PANUFNIK
(Composer)