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The Strad Directory
Jobs
2025-05-12T09:49:00+01:00
The British musician, pedagogue and frequent contributor to The Strad will take up the post in September 
Rosalind Ventris. Photo: Patrick Allen
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The Yehudi Menuhin School (YMS) in Surrey, UK, has announced that violist Rosalind Ventris has been appointed as its next director of music. She will take up the post in September 2025, succeeding Ashley Wass, and will become the first female director of music in YMS history.
An international soloist and chamber musician, Ventris is currently director of performance at Oxford University, professor of viola at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and artistic director of the Cowbridge Music Festival. She is also a frequent contributor to The Strad.
‘Rosalind is a proven performer and pedagogue of the highest order, but, even more importantly, she is a deeply empathetic person who wholeheartedly supports Menuhin’s ideals for the school and for the role of music in shaping a better world,’ said YMS head Robin Harskin.
Commenting on the appointment, Ventris said: ‘Menuhin’s holistic ethos when he set up the school, fusing artistic excellence with social conscience and intellectual curiosity, is one I believe in passionately as a musician and educator. I am so excited to take Menuhin’s vision forward into the future, working alongside the school’s talented staff and students. I feel enormously privileged to be entrusted with this role to nurture and empower these exceptional young musicians.’
Opinion: Rosalind Ventris on how chamber music develops communication and listening skills
Masterclass: Rosalind Ventris on Vieuxtemps Viola Sonata op.36
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In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.
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The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
2025-05-12T10:33:00Z
US luthier and The Strad contributor Gary Vessel suffered a stroke last week; his son Dylan Vessel has set up a GoFundMe page to cover his medical bills and living costs
2025-05-12T09:31:00Z
Jansen will make solo and chamber appearances with the orchestra over the 2025/26 season
2025-05-09T09:51:00Z
In a shock move, the school has informed foundation-year students that they will not be progressing to the degree course in the 2025–26 academic year
2025-05-12T10:09:00Z
The British ensemble welcomes Maja Horvat as its new violinist
2025-05-06T15:07:00Z
Having first appeared at the festival in 2016, the ensemble will return in 2026 as chamber orchestra in residence
2025-05-06T11:00:00Z
Cellist Amber Den Exter is receiving treatment following a car crash last month in Houston, which resulted in serious spinal injuries and paralysis
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