May 2004

Grandson of Yehudi Menuhin retraces his footsteps in Donegal

The grandson of the world-famous violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin was in Donegal this month retracing his grandfather's footsteps at Glenveagh.

Dom Benthall (27) who works as a barrister in London said the visit was "very evocative" because it seemed as though he and his friends had the place to themselves as they looked around last Friday.

It was strange to think that my grandfather came all the way to Donegal to stay at Glenveagh. "I think my grandmother would have welcomed the opportunity for him to slow down a little because he led such a hectic lifestyle. The idea of spending a few days in such a beautiful, remote and tranquil spot would have been an idea place for him to relax".

Yehudi Menuhin was born in New York on 22nd April 1916 to Russian - Jewish parents. They moved to San Francisco almost immediately. The child prodigy started playing the violin at the age of five and it quickly became apparent that he was a gifted player. By the age of seven his rendition of Mendelssohn's 'Violin Concerto' had found him immediate fame. Within five to six years, he was playing as a soloist for some of the world's top orchestras," said Dom.

In the early thirties, the highly sought after international performer recorded the Elgar Violin Concerto while Elgar conducted it. A short time before they recorded the concerto together, my grandfather played the first few bars to him, to which Elgar responded: "Thanks very much, I'm going to the races now".

Yehudi Menuhin who died in Berlin on 12th March 1999, was a guest of Henry P. McIlhenny on several occasions at the estate.

The world-known violinist was also a friend of the late Derek Hill. Many locals remember the well known story of Derek Hill's housekeeper, Gracie reportedly telling someone: "We've got Huidi McMenamin coming for dinner tonight." Referring to Derek Hill, Dom says he wouldn't be surprised if his grandfather had acquired one or two of the Donegal artist's paintings.

Nellie Gallagher, who was housekeeper at Glenveagh, remembers Yehudi staying at Glenveagh for a number of years. He used to go out onto the lough and fish. A gillie would always go out with him. Sometimes he would come down to the kitchen with a fresh fish they had caught that day and ask me if I could cook it for them at the last minute, which I always did of course."

Referring to his second trip to the county, Dom says: "I've had a lovely time, the people of Donegal have been very friendly. It's such a beautiful place."

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