The Benedetti Foundation is a Scottish company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Anyone can read what you share. To say that musicians have felt frustrated and dispirited these past months is not saying enough. Nicola Benedetti, 19877 - [ ] 1987 [14], Nicola was chosen as the subject for the winner of the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2021, Calum Stevenson, and this portrait now hangs in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.[15][16]. he 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. In 2019, Nicola formalised her commitment to music in education when she established The Benedetti Foundation. This person, she said, pointing to the ring. My sisters married now and in a very kind of settled place in her life, but shes 35, and a lot of my friends are in similar circumstances; they live in a house with a partner and have children or are going to have children, and obviously Im not at that point yet.. Nicola Benedettis most acclaimed releases include her 2019 recording of Wynton Marsaliss Violin Concerto and Fiddle Dance Suite, her 2016 album of Shostakovich and Glazunov Violin Concertos, and her 2012 Silver Violin album which put the Korngold violin concerto at its heart, creating an almost viral effect among violinists. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. As a child she studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School before going on to win. There is a sense that personal connections come first for Nicola Benedetti. 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. BBC Scotland, using this DVD, created a documentary on Benedetti, which was broadcast on television in the UK in March 2004. 2 | U.S. Benedetti premiered James MacMillans Violin Concerto No. 1. This festival was founded on principles of reconciliation and the ideals of art transcending political and cultural fracture.. Both of those truths need to be able to live alongside each other.. Not just somebody who is a fantastic creative person, but somebody who understands policy, and the impact of culture on society.Jennifer Tuckett, the director of University Women in the Arts, a mentoring organisation to help improve the transition for women from studying to working in the arts, said she was delighted to hear of Benedettis appointment.Research by the organisation conducted at the University of Cambridge in 2019 showed that having women in leadership positions and female role models makes a big difference in terms of what seems possible to the next generation, she said. Benedetti does not mince her words: Its difficult when you see the football with 40,000 to 60,000 people gathering just in official numbers in official venues, never mind millions in the streets, and you look at musicians restrictions in that context. 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. You need that in an artistic leader. [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. Despite travelling all over the world, Nicola says she hasn't found any country that's more beautiful than Scotland. Her interpretation may lack the introspective quality of the revelatory recording Nigel Kennedy made back in the mid 1980s, and you occasionally wish Jurowski would risk letting the orchestra run away from him, but the end result is a performance with a sure sense of direction and lots of heart. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. A Gannett Company. I hope therell be the same story for the rest of the country. When youre flying 90 people from anywhere in the world to Edinburgh, I would like audiences to really understand why we chose them, she said. Nicola Benedetti is one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation. Refuting simplistic solutions is also key, Benedetti feels, to genuine cultural diversity. Nicola Benedetti 2 years ago Happy Holidays from Nicky and the Benedetti Foundation. 1 by Max Bruch. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com. Enough people voted for it, so we have to be creative in tackling those challenges. 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. His previous portrait subjects on the Sky Arts show included actress Kelly Macdonald and Pink Floyd's Nick Mason. [29], In 2022, she was appointed honorary president of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. In 2004, she won BBC Young Musician, launching her career as an international concert violinist. Though her background suggests shell lean more toward the fine arts, Benedetti confirmed that pop will still be programmed. 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. On Monday evening, the festival announced that Valery Gergiev, the Russian conductor who is a close friend and ally of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, had stepped down as its honorary president. She left the Menuhin School shortly after and, at the age of 15, began studying privately with Maciej Rakowski, the former leader of the English Chamber Orchestra.[7]. 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. ", New data reveals train commuters spend up to 2450 more a year than car-owning colleagues, Big Noise Douglas: Scottish Government step in to help under-threat Dundee music project, Man who coined Beatlemania after Caird Hall gig honoured in Dundee Music Walk of Fame, Tess White warns Nicola Sturgeon GP surgery closures in Tayside are putting patients safety at risk, Historic ocean treaty agreed after decade of talks, China looks at reforms to deepen Xi's control, Inside the enclave surrounded by pro-Russia forces, 'The nurses wanted me to feel guilty about my abortion, From Afghan TV fame to a US factory floor. Nicola has said if a fire broke out in her home, she would grab her violin before her cat. After walking on stage to collect the prestigious accolade, Benedetti said: I am so honoured to have won a Grammy for Best Classical Instrumental Solo and to have performed at the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony. Nicola Benedetti's early life. We deliver transformative experiences through mass musical events and unite those who believe music is integral to life's education. Nicola was appointed a CBE in 2019, awarded the Queens Medal for Music (2017), and an MBE in 2013. 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. Calum Stevenson, 23, won Portrait Artist of the Year. Nicola Benedetti Founder and Artistic Director Nicola Benedetti is one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation. Nicola Joy Nadia Benedetti CBE (born 20 July 1987) is an Italian-Scottish classical solo violinist and festival director. ViolinistNicola Benedetti stunned audiences at the 62nd Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony last night with an elegant solo performance. Are we actually trying to get inside the minds and hearts of people who, for instance, grew up where a swing rhythm is a means of protest? Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. [13], Apart from solo performances, Benedetti performs in a trio with the German cellist Leonard Elschenbroich and the British-Ukrainian pianist Alexei Grynyuk. Nicola Benedetti: Elgar Violin Concerto album art work. She will succeed Fergus Linehan, an Irish arts administrator who staged his first festival in 2015, in October. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself. At eight, she became the leader of the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain. That should make the thrill for the NYOGB youngsters in the Royal Albert Hall even greater. Calum Stevenson's portrait of Nicola Benedetti will be displayed Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Harry: I always felt different to rest of family, Chris Rock jokes about Oscars slap in Netflix show, Everything Everywhere wins big ahead of Oscars, PM to end asylum claims from small boat arrivals, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, Mbappe breaks PSG goal record in win over Nantes. I dont see me ever affording it.. Nicola Benedetti's zodiac sign is Cancer. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland series Stark Talk, to be broadcast today, she said she was still not ready to settle down, and she would struggle to be in a relationship with a partner who couldnt share discussions about music. [3] She started to play the violin at the age of four with lessons from Brenda Smith. We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments. International Sistema organisations rapidly distanced themselves and Sistema Scotland was one of the first to do so. Nicola enjoys working with the highest level of orchestras including collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhausorchester, Frankfurt Radio Symphony, Czech Philharmonic, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra of Washington DC. Benedetti enthuses. To mark the occasion . If we dont, perhaps we should be asking ourselves deeper questions: why do we not feel curiosity? 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. November 17 - 19, 2022. VIRTUOSO violinist Nicola Benedetti has revealed how she never stopped loving her cellist former boyfriend and still speaks to him every day. Baroque is potentially the most joyous, welcoming, vivacious, open-armed music there is, Benedetti says. [4] By the age of nine, she had already passed the eight grades of musical examinations while attending the independent Wellington School, Ayr,[5] and, in September 1997, began to study at the Yehudi Menuhin School for young musicians under Lord Menuhin and Natasha Boyarskaya in rural Surrey, England. This music was intended to be understood and easily communicable. 2 at the Proms on 7 August; bbc.co.uk/proms and is artist-in-residence at the Edinburgh Festival, August 14-21; eif.co.uk. Nicola was awarded the Queen's Medal for Music in 2017, the youngest ever recipient, and has received nine honorary degrees to date. It culminates in a new recording, concerts at Battersea Arts Centre in July, and the Edinburgh Festival, where Benedetti is artist-in-residence. Nicola's motto is "Enhance your own ability, be the best you can be but dont keep that for yourself. Are we actually looking to hear some origins of Ghanaian drumming, for example, not just a generic Africa as if its a country? She was describing her approach to the age-old question of attracting new audiences. She has even restarted sporadic lessons, with the violinist Andrea Gajic, to help regain confidence after a wrist injury that forced her to pull out of a residency last summer at the Aldeburgh Festival in England. JAMES MACMILLAN Violin Concerto No. contact the editor here. And family, she quickly added. 2 with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and, at last, a real, live audience. That was followed in December by reductions in the Scottish governments own budget for 2023-24, including a 7 million ($8.46 million) cut to Creative Scotland, the countrys national arts organization. Now the Scottish star soloist is preparing for a Prom, where she will perform Prokofievs Violin Concerto No. lauren donovan leaving iowa; platine arrache souche; danny trevathan youngstown, ohio; merion cricket club summer membership To hear that in Scotland was incredibly heart-warming. 4am - 7am, Violin Concerto in A minor (2) The violin Nicola plays is called the Gariel, made in 1717 by Stradivarius. It's worth an estimated 2m and previously belonged to an ancestor of Princess Diana. 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. At 34, she is also one of the festivals youngest directors. "But if I had to choose between the cat and the violin the 2million Stradivarius would have to come first.". In November, Arts Council England announced upheaval-inducing funding reallocations. This is all part of building a contemporary musical life that really connects with todays audiences and reflects their experience. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. He had a real spirit for change, for making stuff happen, and was very, very ambitious about owning something, and about making money, Benedetti said, adding, hed be the first one to say that, hes not bashful at all about that.. 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. Benedetti enters this role at a time when British arts organizations are struggling. Vladimir Jurowski conducts with a clear eye on the works huge dimensions, and Benedetti, too, shapes the violins restless music into long, sinewy paragraphs. 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. She works with orchestras in Europe and America as well as with Alexei Grynyuk, her regular pianist. In 2019, Benedetti released the first recording of an extraordinary new violin concerto by jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. What do we want from the world? We were together 10 years and got together when I was 19 and I think people evolve and relationships evolve. 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. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Another Beethoven recording that urgently demands shelf (or disc) space. For many, the appointment came as a surprise. Nicola Benedetti is the first Scotland native and the first woman to serve as director of the storied Edinburgh International Festival. A devoted chamber musician, Nicola collaborates with cellist Leonard Elschenbroich and pianist Alexei Grynyuk, who have been performing as a trio since 2008. 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. Download 'Violin Concerto in A minor (2)' on iTunes. She premiered James MacMillans Violin Concerto No. [It] brings millions together through the basic act of listening and thousands together through the act of making melody, rhythm and harmony in the practice and service of collective expression. The move places her close to relatives for the first time since she was a child; shes a 15-minute drive from her sister (and fellow violinist) Stephanie Benedetti, along with her 1-year-old nephew Nico and 3-year-old niece Sienna, who received her first miniature violin for Christmas. I dont think its a healthy direction. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Benedetti, 32, said she and her partner of 10. Ohhh, chips! she whispered excitedly as a takeaway carton of haggis and fries entered the room. The 35-year-old violinist was born on 20 July 1987 in West Kilbride, North Ayrshire, Scotland. Johann Sebastian Bach 2023 BBC. Readers comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. Are we looking into the diversity that exists within South America? National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain, Member of the Order of the British Empire, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, "Nicola Benedetti becomes first woman and first Scot to lead Edinburgh international festival", "Nicola Benedetti to become our next festival director", "Violinist Nicola Benedetti Named BBC Young Musician of the Year", "Benedetti makes music, not stardom, priority", "Rankin the toast of Scotland as fans sing his praises", "McConnell bows to pressure over young musician", "Prom 76: Last Night of the Proms review", "Banker lent me 6.3m Stradivarius after he heard me playing", "Portrait Artist of the Year, review: Barry Humphries was the very model of wit in this vibrant finale", "Sky Portrait Artist of the Year: Young Bonnybridge graduate is first Scot to take title", "Violinist Nicola Benedetti debuts in Rome", "Nicola Benedetti Studying at York, University of York", "Violinist Nicola Benedetti receives Order of the British Empire", "BBC 100 Women 2015: Who is on the list? Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. In 2021, BBC Music Magazine named her Personality of the Year for her online support of many young musicians during the pandemic. Nicola begins her 2022-2023 season with a performance of the Marsalis Violin Concerto with the RSNO at the BBC Proms and Mendelssohns Violin Concerto with Kazuki Yamada and the CBSO. 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. By the age of nine, Nicola had already passed the eight grades of musical examinations. Benedetti, 32, said she and her partner of 10 years, Leonard Elschenbroich, separated in 2017 after their relationship evolved but revealed the former couple remain extremely close. Edinburgh is twinned with the city of Kyiv and this action is being taken in sympathy with, and support of, its citizens, it said. rental house in winslow, az by owner. The great unknown is how much, in a really tricky climate, the Benedetti factor will end up benefiting the festival, said Brian Ferguson, an arts correspondent for The Scotsman. What about the Baltic countries and eastern Europe? Since its launch, the Foundation has worked with over 29,000 participants, aged 2 to 92, from 103 . If your priority in life is not to play your instrument to the highest possible level, I would not encourage people to go into that environment, Benedetti said, but then defended the schools specific commitment to excellence. 2 last fall, and is touring Szymanowskis second concerto with orchestras in Berlin, Manchester and Boston this month. Nicola Benedetti is one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation. Since shooting to fame aged 16, winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2004, Benedetti (who turns 34 this summer) has scarcely taken a break, even during the pandemic. When is Eurovision and how do you get tickets? It originated in Venezuela as a social programme aiming to give disadvantaged children new horizons, motivation and self-discipline through music; over the decades its effectiveness has been widely praised. "In an ideal world, all three of us would escape unscathed," she says. Nicola was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours list, for her services to music. Magisterial one moment, wry the next, Hough is a whole orchestra in himself, and not a note is wasted. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations. She wouldnt be drawn on specifics of programming, but expect a bigger emphasis on Scottish voices and, because of sustainability targets, deep dives into a more select group of international orchestras. 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. 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Logan Roy would hate me, says Succession star Brian Cox, Rose Ayling-Ellis: Im done with being token deaf character on TV, Beautiful and tender: Brown Boys Swim wins Edinburgh fringe Popcorn award, Edinburgh faces rat surge due to refuse workers strike, warn heritage leaders, Jerry Sadowitz hits back after show cancelled: My act is being cheapened, Jerry Sadowitz Edinburgh fringe standup show axed due to complaints, We do turn up the bass: deaf ravers party at first Edinburgh deaf festival, Equity union launches working practices charter for comedians. In October 2003, as the extra feature on this DVD, "Playing With Passion" was filmed and released by Mattel. Last fall, the Edinburgh Film Festival went into administration, which is similar to bankruptcy in the United States. Nicola Benedetti was born in Scotland - in West Kilbride - in 1987 and began playing the violin at the age of four. [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. And I expect a lot from them.. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Violinist Nicola Benedetti stunned audiences at the 62nd Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony last night with an elegant solo performance. 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. We provide equal access to music participation and appreciation for all whilst . As she launches her new album, the star violinist is frustrated at the restrictions on live performance, but is determined to bring music to the masses regardless. Benedetti used to live in London but is now based in Surrey, which she said has strengthened her support system: I get excited about going home, and I cant say that I ever really felt that when I lived in London.. And the best friend shes made around the world? This year, allegations of sexual and psychological abuse within El Sistema in Venezuela have emerged as some former students spoke out about their experiences. In June 2021, the trio embarked on a UK tour giving seven performances across the country, and in spring 2022 the trio embarks on a thirteen-date European tour with works by Schumann, Rihm and Brahms. The appearance makes Benedetti the first classical solo artist to perform at the Grammy Awards ceremony in 10 years, which is surely another milestone in the 32-year-old's musical career. Download 'Violin Concerto in A minor (2)' on iTunes, 27 January 2020, 15:24 | Updated: 27 January 2020, 17:36. At eight she became the youngest ever leader of the National Childrens Orchestra and at 16 she won the BBCs Young Musician of the Year. She works with orchestras in Europe and America as well as with Alexei Grynyuk, her regular pianist. Her ability was recognised when she was a child, including the award of BBC Young Musician of the Year when she was 16. Its dangerous and deeply unhelpful to everybody involved. HP10 9TY. I didnt win the Tchaikovsky Violin Competition, I didnt win the Joachim Competition thats not what I won, she said. 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. Nicola Benedetti has released 12 albums. Grammy and Brit-award-winning violinist will take over from Fergus Linehan after this years 75th anniversary event. The arts can help with that., Nicola Benedettis new album Baroque is released on Decca Classics on July 16. FABIO LUISI conducts. Comments have been closed on this article. [30], Nicola was in a relationship with German cellist Leonard Elschenbroich, whom she met at the Yehudi Menuhin School of Music. Got to hand it to her Nicola Benedetti. 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. Nicola has continued her role as a dedicated, passionate ambassador and leader in music education. EDINBURGH Not long into an interview with the violinist Nicola Benedetti, there was a knock at the door. In 1999, Benedetti performed for the anniversary celebrations at Holyrood Palace with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. Editors' Code of Practice. Do you know this baby? Im not saying that singing a song is the answer to everybodys problems. All kinds of areas have unbelievable musical traditions. Winner of the 2020 GRAMMY Award for "Best Classical Instrumental Solo," as well . We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories. Nicola Benedetti, a Scottish-Italian violinist and music education ambassador, is one of the leading classical musicians of her generation. [12] That same year, Benedetti was lent the 1717 "Gariel" Stradivarius by London banker and London Symphony Orchestra Board member Jonathan Moulds. In March 2022, Nicola became the Director Designate of the Edinburgh International Festival, becoming Festival Director on 1 October 2022. Benedettis vibrant, beefy full-throttle tone is made for the concerto, and shes an assertive soloist, never disappearing into the glowing textures the London Philharmonic weaves around her. In taking the role she will be both the first Scottish and the first female Festival Director since the Festival began in 1947. For people in the live performance industry, its difficult not to draw those comparisons and feel youre being unfairly penalised.. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. . Unsurprisingly from such a tireless campaigner and educator, thats not quite all: Benedetti has filmed five video lessons on Salut dAmour for her YouTube channel, inspiring lockdown practice material for violin or viola students of any age.