Following the investigative report in “Le Temps” about the International Menuhin Music Academy (IMMA)'s financial difficulties, two visions have emerged to shape the future of this prestigious institution. Last week, both Andrea E. Rusca, Vice President of the IMMA Foundation Board, and Jeremy Menuhin, founder of the newly established Menuhin Academy, released statements outlining their respective plans. We sat down with both of them to understand more about the transition and the challenges ahead.

Andrea E. Rusca, Vice President of the IMMA Foundation Board
"Students should benefit from a reliable and efficient structure."

Andrea E. Rusca emphasised that IMMA is not insolvent and that the academy continues to exist, albeit in a restructured form. The new foundation board is working diligently to create a stable student environment.

How is the new IMMA Foundation Board structured?
The board now consists of five members, including a newly elected lawyer. These members were chosen for their expertise and commitment, not personal gain. Our first collective action was developing a comprehensive ethics charter, which lays the groundwork for IMMA's future. Contrary to media reports, there is no “fight” over Lord Menuhin's legacy. IMMA has stood for 47 years and will continue to uphold the values of its founder.

In your press release, you mentioned engaging in constructive dialogue with IMMA’s former patron. What happens if these negotiations fail? Is there a Plan B?
Relying on a single patron has proven to be a significant vulnerability. We aim to diversify our financial support. The new board is focused on rebuilding the foundation transparently, ensuring donors understand how funds are used. Our goal is to reignite support from those who share Lord Menuhin's vision. Most importantly, we are committed to providing students with a reliable and efficient structure to meet the demands of today’s international music scene.

Have you reached out to Jeremy Menuhin? The students are in a state of limbo, not knowing under whose leadership they will continue their studies.
We extended an invitation to Jeremy Menuhin to join a prestigious support committee that includes figures from the music world, but he declined. Shortly after, he announced the formation of a new academy with a name that could easily be confused with IMMA. This is unfortunate for many reasons, as the IMMA remains open, despite the challenges we face.

How do you envision the new IMMA study center in Gstaad?
We are fully aware of the urgency of finding both a location for teaching and accommodation for students. We are actively exploring options in Saanenland.

How many students are affected by the current situation? Will they have a temporary solution?
Despite repeated efforts to obtain the student list from the former administration, we have only made partial contact with the students. Due to the precarious situation inherited from the previous board, we were unable to establish proper conditions for the semester to start in October. However, the students have been aware of the difficulties since May and many have already found temporary solutions at other institutions.

Jeremy Menuhin, Director of the Newly Founded Menuhin Academy
"The tradition remains."

In response to the IMMA’s financial and structural problems, Jeremy Menuhin has founded a new institution—the Menuhin Academy. He explains the motivations behind this new venture.

What prompted you to found the Menuhin Academy?
With the IMMA losing its main sponsor and struggling financially, the teachers asked me to intervene. Although I haven’t been involved in IMMA’s management since 2010, I felt it was time to create a new academy based on the original principles and spirit that my father, Yehudi Menuhin, and Alberto Lysy championed. The old IMMA has run its course, and we believe reform is necessary.

Who is part of the Menuhin Academy’s Board of Trustees?
Our board includes permanent teachers Oleg Kaskiv, Pablo de Naverán, and Ivan Vukcevic, while I serve as honorary president. We’re looking to add a few members to assist with fundraising and operations, but everyone has an equal vote.

How will the new academy be financed?
We are already in touch with several potential sponsors and patrons, some of whom had supported the original academy.

Will you maintain contact with IMMA and its Vice President Andrea Rusca?
As far as I know, neither the students nor the teachers recognise Mr. Rusca or the other members of the new IMMA Foundation Board.

Where will the new academy be located?
The Menuhin Academy will remain in Rolle, where it has been based.

What about the teaching staff?
The core teaching team—Oleg Kaskiv, Pablo de Naverán, and Ivan Vukcevic—will continue with the new academy. We also plan to invite additional distinguished musicians to work with the students, just as we have done in the past.

How many students are currently enrolled in the Menuhin Academy, and when will they resume their studies?We have 13 students who are all in close contact with our faculty. Their studies will continue without interruption.

Would you consider joining the newly formed IMMA Foundation Board?
Absolutely not. I believe their approach is misguided. They quote my father and Alberto Lysy, but I doubt they fully grasp the principles behind their teachings. As the Director of Menuhin Intellectual Property Management, I have the exclusive right to lend the Menuhin name to institutions, and I do not believe their current approach honours that legacy.

Editors note
The future of the International Menuhin Music Academy remains uncertain, as two groups vie to carry on Yehudi Menuhin’s vision. The IMMA Foundation Board, led by Andrea E. Rusca, is working to restructure and rebuild the academy in Gstaad, while Jeremy Menuhin and his team of teachers continue their mission with the newly established Menuhin Academy in Rolle. For now, the students and supporters of this historic institution are left waiting for clarity on which path will ultimately prevail.

Based on Avs | Interview by Sonja Wolf | Edited by Jeanette Wichmann