Nicola Joy Nadia Benedetti CBE (born 20 July 1987) is an Italian-Scottish classical solo violinist and festival director. By the age of nine, Nicola had already passed the eight grades of musical examinations. At the end of her first year (1998), she played solo in the school's annual concert at Wigmore Hall, and performed in London and Paris as a soloist in Bach's Double Violin Concerto with Alina Ibragimova. Were unapologetic and uncompromising on the weight, depth and profundity of the art that the festival presents, to the maximum number of people and the broadest possible audience., Morrison said that her vision is not elitist, but that it also does not sacrifice excellence, which, in a way, is slightly contrary to what the politicians and the bureaucrats are pushing towards in both England and Scotland.. Nicola Benedetti, 19877 - [ ] 1987 HP10 9TY. What do we want from the world? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. To say that musicians have felt frustrated and dispirited these past months is not saying enough. Despite travelling all over the world, Nicola says she hasn't found any country that's more beautiful than Scotland. What all humans bring to anything we create can be good and can be bad. New powers to tackle small boats set to be announced next week, Elizabeth Hurley remembers cricketer Shane Warne on anniversary of his death, AI tools like ChatGPT could play role in government science minister, London buses: Annual journeys drop by 800 million since 2016, 300 new Ulez cameras rolled out but none in rebel boroughs, RAF jets scrambled after sonic boom over Leicestershire, New First Minister will need to eat humble pie over gender reforms SNP MP, Scottish councils to receive extra 100m boost, reveals John Swinney, Frankie Boyle calls on PM to reject plans for Rosebank oil field, Buying, selling or renting, expert insight unlocks the property market, Isabel Oakeshott terminates interview over Hancock leak clash, Trio of Americans who tried to smuggle drugs through Heathrow jailed, Estate agent wins legal fight with interior designer over 10m sale, What is the Willow Project? In 2000, Benedetti performed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Opera. VIRTUOSO violinist Nicola Benedetti has revealed how she never stopped loving her cellist former boyfriend and still speaks to him every day. Stephen Houghs long-awaited recording of the complete five piano concertos is a partnership with conductor Hannu Lintu and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the sparks struck between their crisp responsiveness and Houghs immaculate blend of imagination and control are considerable. This festival was founded on principles of reconciliation and the ideals of art transcending political and cultural fracture.. Johann Sebastian Bach I think Im in a good position to be saying, Heres why chips taste fantastic to somebody who hasnt tasted them, said Benedetti, who, in addition to her work as an acclaimed instrumentalist and educator, recently began her tenure as the director of the Edinburgh International Festival. Sam Pittis When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? When you feel youre making enormous sacrifices for the sake of your civic duty to other people, you want to know that everyone else is participating in that too. It's worth an estimated 2m and previously belonged to an ancestor of Princess Diana. A Bonnybridge artist has completed a 10,000 commission to paint Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti after winning a television competition. In partnership with The Benedetti Foundation, Benedetti will release a new video on her YouTube channel once a month, starting with tips around . BBC Scotland, using this DVD, created a documentary on Benedetti, which was broadcast on television in the UK in March 2004. In March 2022, Nicola became the Director Designate of the Edinburgh International Festival, becoming Festival Director on 1 October 2022. At 34, she is also one of the festivals youngest directors. The Edinburgh International Festivals core funding is expected to remain at the same level for 2023-24, but, with rising costs and inflation, a standstill budget amounts to a cut. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. The arts can help with that., Nicola Benedettis new album Baroque is released on Decca Classics on July 16. Nicola formalised her commitment to music education in 2019 when she established The Benedetti Foundation. You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. This year, allegations of sexual and psychological abuse within El Sistema in Venezuela have emerged as some former students spoke out about their experiences. At eight, she became the leader of the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain. Download 'Violin Concerto in A minor (2)' on iTunes, 27 January 2020, 15:24 | Updated: 27 January 2020, 17:36. I think this should be able to be said, while separately you are calling out and appropriately prosecuting wrongdoing, in a way equally uncompromising in dealing with any mistreatment of children, or women, or men. [29], In 2022, she was appointed honorary president of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). Whats special about their sound, their identity?, There will even be an attempt to break down traditional genre boundaries, and recategorize through intensity of experience, and type of experience, Benedetti said. Do you mind? A pattern quickly emerged: a question, a tidal wave of thoughts on the profundity of art, a pause for breath and then, eventually, a chip. Nicola Benedetti is the first Scotland native and the first woman to serve as director of the storied Edinburgh International Festival. Its going to be paramount to our success. Tue 1 Mar 2022 10.37 EST First published on Tue 1 Mar 2022 07.00 EST Nicola Benedetti, the award-winning Scottish violinist, is to take over as director of the Edinburgh international festival,. Dates of Cancer are June 21 - July 22. 80 percent of schoolchildren say more could be done to engage young people with, 13-year-old Ukrainian refugee plays poignantly on public piano, one year since the war, Mother asks TikTok to play her 10-year-old daughters melody, and a whole string, Blind 13-year-old pianists stunning Chopin nocturne performance leaves Lang Lang, Music takes 13 minutes to release sadness and 9 to make you happy, according to new, Cate Blanchett produces a sound some conductors dont come close to Tr cellist, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to write new work for King Charles III, as coronation music, Berlin Phil announces first ever female concertmaster in 141-year history, Vineta, Braimah Kanneh-Mason performs deeply moving Schindlers List theme 30 years on from, Download 'Violin Concerto in A minor (2)' on iTunes. How does she plan on selling the festivals more traditional audience on all of that? Her ability to captivate audiences with her innate musicianship and spirited presence, coupled with her wide appeal as a high-profile advocate for classical music, has made her one of the most influential classical artists of today. He said his Dundee tutors encouraged students to apply for "every opportunity that arises". This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Calum is now planning his first solo exhibition. During school holidays, Nicola and her sister had to work for three hours every morning before they could go out to play. The diversity of music that we hear is going to remain, she said. This person, she said, pointing to the ring. But she added: I might struggle with not being with somebody that really understood the full extent, or not even understood but was willing to and able to discuss things relating to music its a topic that Im interested in and would like to be able to share with a partner. Since its launch, the Foundation has worked with over 50,000 participants, age 2-92, from 103 countries through its transformative in-person workshops and online sessions for young people, students, teachers and adults. Over 1000 string players from 37 countries came together for our Christmas Virtual Sessions to prepare and. Winner of the GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo in 2020, as well as Best Female Artist at both 2012 and 2013 Classical BRIT Awards, Nicola records exclusively for Decca (Universal Music). And the best friend shes made around the world? This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. The Benedetti Foundation is a Scottish company limited by guarantee with charitable status. In taking the role she will be both the first Scottish and the first female Festival Director since the Festival began in 1947. The violin was Edward Elgars instrument, and when he was composing he thought as a string player: you can hear the idiomatic shaping of lines, the relishing of sonorities, in everything he wrote. She delivered an assured performance of the Szymanowski concerto with the conductor Karina Canellakis in Berlin, finding a meaty yet tender sustained sound. [10] Following a public and political outcry, McConnell bowed to the pressure and telephoned Benedetti to acknowledge her success. When and where was Nicola Benedetti born? She works with orchestras in Europe and America as well as with Alexei Grynyuk, her regular pianist. Nicola Benedetti's early life. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. For people in the live performance industry, its difficult not to draw those comparisons and feel youre being unfairly penalised.. Editors' Code of Practice. [25] In 2019 she was also given the annual Royal Medal award by the Royal Society of Edinburgh for improving the lives of deprived Scottish children through Sistema Scotland and the Big Noise Orchestras. Since its launch, the Foundation has worked with over 29,000 participants, age 292, from 103 countries through its transformative in-person workshops and online sessions for young people, students, teachers and adults. And I expect a lot from them.. Since its launch, the Foundation has worked with over 29,000 participants, aged 2 to 92, from 103 . Ive refound in the last six or seven years, she said, such a community developed through the teaching and educating world, different parts of the industry that you wouldnt necessarily access through being a touring concert soloist., A Violinist Prepares Her Next Star Turn: Festival Leader, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/arts/music/nicola-benedetti-edinburgh-international-festival.html, Nicola Benedetti, who has made a career as a violin soloist, is taking on a festival next, with the aim, she said, to provide the deepest possible experience for people.. . Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. A Bonnybridge artist has completed a 10,000 commission to paint Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti after winning a television competition. Benedetti performs Prokofievs Violin Concerto No. Read more: Violinist Nicola Benedetti wins Grammy for Best Classical Instrumental Solo >. Enough people voted for it, so we have to be creative in tackling those challenges. Does everything have to follow one exact format?, After winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 2004, her public profile raced ahead of the security she felt in her own playing. Her ability to captivate audiences with her innate musicianship and spirited presence, coupled with her wide appeal as a high-profile advocate for classical music, has made her one of the most influential classical artists of today. But I see that whichever path you take youre missing something, so yes I could wallow in not having such a settled life but much of that is choice too and I have big things I want to solidify and achieve, and they feed me energy.. "In an ideal world, all three of us would escape unscathed," she says. Shes not only a brilliant musician, but shes also a thought leader committed to creative education. 2 last fall, and is touring Szymanowskis second concerto with orchestras in Berlin, Manchester and Boston this month. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. The controversial US oil plan explained. Benedetti, who takes meticulous care of the instrument -- taking it to a violin restorer at least every month-- said Mr Moulds expected nothing in return for her using the Stradivarius. Nicola Benedetti 2 years ago Happy Holidays from Nicky and the Benedetti Foundation. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Meanwhile, American soprano Joyce DiDonato won the prize for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album for Songplay, and Best Orchestral Performance went to the Los Angeles Philharmonic led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel, for their impressive rendition of Andrew Normans Sustain. Although that relationship has ended, they continue to perform together and are good friends.[31]. Will putting an international Scottish soloist with a national voice in this leadership position help attract private donors? In November, Arts Council England announced upheaval-inducing funding reallocations. Another Beethoven recording that urgently demands shelf (or disc) space. Her ability to captivate audiences with her innate musicianship and spirited presence, coupled with her wide appeal as a high-profile advocate for classical music, has made her one of the most influential classical artists of today. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. Internationally recognised and respected but Scottish to her core, shes dedicated to advocating world-class music making and innovating new ways to bring it to audiences.. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can We were together 10 years and got together when I was 19 and I think people evolve and relationships evolve. Other recent recordings include her GRAMMY award-winning album written especially for her by jazz musician Wynton Marsalis: Violin Concerto in D and Fiddle Dance Suite for Solo Violin. Nicola Benedetti Founder and Artistic Director Nicola Benedetti is one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation. Her experience in promoting Scotlands cultural scene to audiences around the world will be invaluable and I wish her every success.. Nicola Benedetti's new recording - out today as a download, with the CD release planned for July - brings together his huge, sumptuous 1910 Violin Concerto with three miniatures for violin . His painting of Benedetti will now be displayed at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh. A champion of modern compositions, the soloist became the youngest recipient of the Queens medal for music in 2017 and formed the Benedetti Baroque Orchestra in 2020. I do not adhere to the notion of cancelling everything. Magisterial one moment, wry the next, Hough is a whole orchestra in himself, and not a note is wasted. Winner of the 2020 GRAMMY Award for "Best Classical Instrumental Solo," as well . Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Nicola Benedetti was born in Scotland - in West Kilbride - in 1987 and began playing the violin at the age of four. If we analyse our entire history and try to erase everything that is good because theres also something thats bad, I think we need to check ourselves. Other stars recognised on the night included composer John Williams, who won Best Instrumental Composition (and his 25th Grammy) for his masterpiece Star Wars: Galaxys Edge Symphonic Suite, and flute-playing sensation Lizzo, who took home the award for Pop Solo Performance following her powerful rendition of Truth Hurts. She is not afraid to express her anger about the provision of music in UK schools: "Decisions have been made, especially in the light of funding cuts, that are, I think, catastrophic to our future as a nation.". Benedetti quickly shuts down questions about her personal life, and about the large ring on her finger. Its third director, Robert Ponsonby, was 30 when he took control in 1954. Sospiri is beautifully done, Benedettis tone silky and contained yet electric; its an initially bleak picture of despair that lifts just slightly into something hopeful at the end. In 2021-2022, Nicola opens . But for people to problem-solve successfully, they need an open, positive and free mind. Her ability was recognised when she was a child, including the award of BBC Young Musician of the Year when she was 16. 4am - 7am, Violin Concerto in A minor (2) Unlike her immediate predecessors, Benedetti has no experience running large arts festivals but has built up a significant reputation as an arts educator and ambassador for classical music, particularly with younger musicians and schools. By clicking Sign up you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. In December 2020, Nicola formed the Benedetti Baroque Orchestra which gathers freelance period-instrument players who collectively join together to create the highest level of collaborative and energised musicmaking. He said: "I never made a conscious decision to specialise in portraiture and would describe myself as a figurative painter. This recording project has been a deeply edifying experience for me and one I will always reflect on with immense gratitude.. The violin Nicola plays is called the Gariel, made in 1717 by Stradivarius. She became the first woman and first Scottish person to lead[1] the Edinburgh International Festival when she was made Festival Director on 1 October 2022. Her most recent recording of Elgars Violin Concerto entered at number one in the UKs Official Classical Album Chart and received critical acclaim including a 5* review in The Times: Yet beyond sheer agility, Benedetti offers listeners something even more valuable: a dynamic personal interpretation, refreshing and convincing. Other recent recordings include her GRAMMY award-winning album written especially for her by jazz musician Wynton Marsalis: Violin Concerto in D and Fiddle Dance Suite for Solo Violin. Nicolas recording catalogue also includes works from Shostakovich and Glazunov Violin Concerti, Szymanowski Concerti (London Symphony Orchestra with Daniel Harding) to. She played in a memorial concert at Westminster Abbey celebrating the life and work of Yehudi Menuhin. Nicola Benedetti was born in Scotland - in West Kilbride - in 1987 and began playing the violin at the age of four. Nicola Benedetti, who has made a career as a violin soloist, is taking on a festival next, with the aim, she said, "to provide the deepest possible experience for people." Robert Ormerod for. In spring 2003, Benedetti, invited as a soloist by the London Symphony Orchestra, participated in the recording of the DVD titled Barbie of Swan Lake at Abbey Road Studios. It was certainly a special night for the Scottish-born virtuoso, who also took home a Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo, for her stunning recording of Marsalis Violin Concerto and Fiddle Dance Suite. Nicola champions the commissioning of new works which has recently included Mark Simpsons critically acclaimed Violin Concerto, written for Nicola with the London Symphony Orchestra, and Wynton Marsaliss Violin Concerto which won a GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo in 2020. Benedettis goal of bringing in broader audiences is one that was shared by her predecessor, Fergus Linehan, who incorporated pop music into the festival for the first time, in 2015. Read our, {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}. Calum Stevenson, 23, won Portrait Artist of the Year with his painting of entertainer Barry Humphries. We are lucky at The Herald. In 1997, she entered the Yehudi Menuhin School where she studied with Natasha Boyarskaya. Premiere. Many find it light fare: too. Enter your password to log in. Her ability to captivate audiences and her wide appeal as an advocate for classical music has made her one of the most influential artists of today. Her ability to captivate audiences and her wide appeal as an advocate for classical music has made her one of the most influential artists of today. Her violin concerto to a score by the jazz trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis also won a Grammy that year. I dont have regrets in terms of my personal life. I feel like Ive become a lot more confident over time as a violinist, she said. Nicola has continued her role as a dedicated, passionate ambassador and leader in music education. So in terms of my violinistic chops, I had a long way to go, in full view of the public.. 2023 BBC. [9] Despite winning the competition, The Times reported that Benedetti was snubbed by Jack McConnell, the then First Minister of Scotland, who thought that there was insufficient public interest to merit a personal message of congratulations. Nicola Benedetti, a Scottish-Italian violinist and music education ambassador, is one of the leading classical musicians of her generation. We provide equal access to music participation and appreciation for all whilst . This summer, sports began to be allowed massive audiences, while theatres and concert halls were hobbled by continued social distancing. This account already exists. Calum Stevenson, 23, won Portrait Artist of the Year. When the pandemic abruptly smothered live music, the violinist Nicola Benedetti threw her considerable energy into finding new ways to connect people online to music and, through that, to one another. We are the arts, we are an area of music and were supposed to be telling the full gamut of the human story, so we should be hearing it as well as seeing it.. Refuting simplistic solutions is also key, Benedetti feels, to genuine cultural diversity. This is all part of building a contemporary musical life that really connects with todays audiences and reflects their experience. Its not that we stopped loving each other, it just turned into a different kind of love. heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment. 1 -----Watch the final concert here: https://youtu.be/wI3jm4z4AZsThank you for tuning in to the Virtual Ben. Other season highlights include engagements with LA Philharmonic, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, play-directing the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and tours to Spain with the Philharmonia Orchestra as well as Artist in Residence at this years Aldeburgh Festival. Sign up for exclusive newsletters, comment on stories, enter competitions and attend events. [23], In May 2017, she was presented with the Queen's Medal for Music, the youngest of the twelve people to receive the award since it was established in 2005. I left school at 15 and between the ages of 15 to 23, where you form some of those really strong bonds, I was basically on my own out there.