Legend joins Academy staff — the Academy announces a major new international appointment. 

The Royal Academy of Music is delighted to announce its appointment of the legendary Maxim Vengerov to the new post of Menuhin Professor of Music. In this new position, he will visit the Academy every term to work with students in masterclasses and one-to-one teaching. This is an exclusive arrangement in the UK.

The Academy has already enjoyed a long association with Maxim, going all the way back to his lessons at the Academy with Zakhar Bron. Since then he has become a committed friend and supporter, most recently as Visiting Professor of Violin since 2005, during which time he has given public masterclasses and private lessons to many Academy students and released several remarkable DVDs of his teaching here.

Over the years he has also given performances with the Academy, most notably in 1997 with our orchestra at the memorial concert of the Academy’s former President, HRH The Princess of Wales.
  

‘I feel privileged to share my experiences with the students here’

Maxim said: “The Royal Academy of Music holds a very special place in my heart. Not only did I myself study at the Academy for some time, it was also where I played one of my first concerts in London. It is a great honour to be associated with the wonderful legacy of this Academy and Yehudi Menuhin. I feel privileged to come and share my experiences with the students here. I greatly look forward to exciting years ahead!”

‘Working with Maxim is always very special’

Professor Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, the Academy’s Principal, said: “This new appointment cements our relationship with a great musician and mentor. Working with Maxim is always very special and we are thrilled at the prospect of having him in the building regularly as a member of staff, giving all of us an extra spring in our step with his exceptional teaching and dynamic artistry.”
  

This new position is named in honour of Yehudi Menuhin, who himself taught at the Academy only a few months before his death in 1999 and whose personal collection of letters, music, photographs, artworks and more is housed at the Academy, as the Foyle Menuhin Archive.

Maxim’s first appearance as Menuhin Professor at the Academy was on Monday 27th February, when he presented public masterclasses in the Duke’s Hall at 10am–1pm and 2–5pm. These events were free, with no tickets required. 

Read the Principal’s blog about this major new international appointment

Take a look at our exclusive Masterclass photo gallery

Some comments from the Academy’s followers on Twitter:
Congratulations @RoyalAcadMusic on appointing Maxim Vengerov as Menuhin Professor of Music — Wigmore Hall
CONGRATULATIONS TRULY EXCITING - LOOKING FORWARD TO MASTERCLASS — Nicole Crespo
Exciting music appointments! — London Symphony Chorus
Glad to know that great violinist Maxim Vengerov will be joining Royal Academy of Music staff — Luis Alfonso Bes

Of the Masterclass itself:

Many thanks for a truly inspirational day of masterclasses with the wonderful Maxim Vengerov. Well done to all involved! — Vanessa
Amazing lessons by Maxim Vengerov at @RoyalAcadMusic — Pedro Lopez Campos
Amazing masterclass with Maxim Vengerov today at the Royal Academy of Music! It was truly amazing! Thank you! — Nicole Crespo