For two decades (2002–2022), Gordon Back served as Artistic Director of the Menuhin Competition, shaping it into a leading international violin festival that combines world‑class performances with an educational platform for young musicians. During his tenure, the competition was hosted in Oslo, Beijing, Austin, London (Menuhin Centenary), Geneva, and most recently Richmond, VA in 2021 — the first fully virtual edition, reaching over six million viewers.
Since 2013, he has also been Artistic Director of the Gower Festival in Wales, known for its unique concerts in historic churches and praised by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s top small festivals.
A distinguished pianist, Back has performed worldwide with artists such as Yehudi Menuhin, Maxim Vengerov, Sarah Chang, Leonidas Kavakos and the Cleveland Quartet. His recordings include award‑winning releases with Jean‑Jacques Kantorow, Daniel Lee and Emma Johnson.
Born in Wales, he studied at the Royal Northern College of Music and later in Italy. At 24 he became one of the youngest professors ever appointed at the Guildhall School of Music in London, later leading its Department of Accompaniment and being named a Fellow in 1984.
Back frequently gives masterclasses internationally and serves as Artistic Advisor to the Hattori Foundation and Chairman of the Jury for the Vendome Prize. Recent seasons include concert tours in Japan, masterclasses across the US, and a London recital in 2024.
