The International Menuhin Music Academy (IMMA) is grappling with severe financial challenges, leaving its future uncertain. According to “Le Temps”, the academy faces a deficit of around two million francs, and significant changes in leadership and staff have further complicated the situation. The website is currently down, adding to the confusion about what lies ahead. Both Jeremy Menuhin, son of the academy's founder Yehudi Menuhin, and a newly established IMMA Foundation Board, led by Vice President Andrea E. Rusca, are working on separate visions for the future of the academy.

Two Groups, Two Visions
Two factions are now working to uphold Menuhin’s legacy. On one side, Jeremy Menuhin has announced the establishment of a new "Menuhin Academy," which aims to continue the mission originally set out by his father. On the other side, the new IMMA Foundation Board seeks to continue the original institution, albeit with a revised approach.

While both groups are working towards preserving the Menuhin heritage, critical information about how the restructuring will unfold is missing. Questions remain regarding the financial recovery, the academy's physical location, and the timeline for any changes.

Financial Uncertainty and Leadership Exodus
The IMMA's financial troubles were exacerbated by the withdrawal of its primary patron, Aline Foriel-Destezet, who cited mismanagement and disagreements over using her donations. As a result, the foundation's board dissolved contracts with tenured professors, including the prestigious artistic director Renaud Capuçon. Salaries for teachers had reached unsustainable levels, with some reportedly earning up to 20,000 francs daily, which consumed a significant portion of the budget. The lack of a major benefactor has led to severe financial instability, raising questions about how the academy will operate moving forward.

Key Unanswered Questions: Restructuring, Finances, and Location
Both groups have provided only vague outlines of their plans for the future. The new IMMA Foundation Board has hinted at bringing in renowned professors from top European conservatories, while Jeremy Menuhin has promised continuity with his new Menuhin Academy. However, details on where and when students will resume their studies still need to be made clear.

• “Where will students be taught?” Jeremy Menuhin has not clarified the location for his new academy, and the IMMA Foundation Board has yet to confirm if or when they will secure premises.
• “What will the students do in the interim?” There has been no official communication about how students are expected to continue their education during this period of uncertainty.
   
• “What is the timeline for recovery?” Neither the IMMA Foundation Board nor Jeremy Menuhin have provided concrete timelines for their restructuring efforts, leaving students and faculty in limbo.

The Importance of a Clear Plan
Currently, there is a lack of clarity surrounding how and when the IMMA will recover. While both Jeremy Menuhin and the new IMMA Foundation Board express their commitment to upholding the academy's values, neither has provided a clear, actionable plan that addresses the pressing questions of finances, placement, or restructuring. Without this vital information, the future of one of the world’s most prestigious music academies remains deeply uncertain.

What will happen in the coming months is still up in the air. Will the IMMA be able to secure new funding, a stable location, and a clear path forward? Meanwhile, the students, who were once at the center of this musical institution, are left waiting for answers.

As this unfolding story hits a crescendo, stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks, as the Anzeiger von Saanen and GstaadLife delve deeper into the situation.

Based on AvS | Sonja Wolf | Edited by Jeanette Wichmann