Young Australian violinist Edward Walton has won a place in the semi-finals of the prestigious Menuhin Competition, currently being held in Richmond, Virginia in the US but like many events worldwide this year it is pivoting to online.

The competition, co-hosted by the City of Richmond, Richmond Symphony, University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University and media channel VPM, was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the global pandemic. The young hopefuls have now been given the chance to perform for the distinguished international jury via video recital.

Edward Walton. Photograph supplied

“I was over the moon when I first found out I’d been selected for the Richmond 2021 Menuhin Competition,” Walton told Limelight. “Then of course, it was delayed a year, but if anything, it made me appreciate the whole experience even more, and also gave me time to develop further as a musician. Being selected to compete in the semi-finals is really a dream come true.”

One of the upsides of the health crisis is making the entire competition accessible to a virtual global audience. The initial rounds are already up online, while the semi-finals and finals, as well a host...