Nicola Benedetti’s inspirational work returns UK wide with a bumper crop of activities
The Benedetti Sessions — three-day orchestral and musicianship workshops for young people, students, teachers and adults — celebrates its fifth birthday this month. Established by The Benedetti Foundation in 2019 by Scottish violinist and music education advocate Nicola Benedetti, the Sessions have reached over 100,000 participants of all ages, across a staggering 137 countries.
None of this should especially take anyone by surprise. Benedetti is a force of nature, whose genuine and sincere enthusiasm is infectious. Who better than her not only to inspire a generation but the Benedetti team too, who responded so defiantly in response to the UK lockdown when, only a few weeks after the programme’s London launch, all plans needed to switch online.
Captive audiences responded hungrily to a service that knew what young musicians wanted (so too their parents and teachers) to keep momentum going. That the Sessions are not only still running but growing is testament to the Benedetti effect, even if the anniversary does trigger memories of the restrictions that followed.
“From our very first physical sessions to the global online sessions that brought us all together through the most challenging of times, we have seen music literally transcend barriers,” explains Nicola Benedetti in a special celebration video. “Together we have built a community with passion, with creativity and with a shared commitment to learning regardless of your age.”
In 2025 the Foundation will stage two live sessions (at London’s Southbank on 2, 12, and 13, and at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall 12-14 September). There are 13 residencies across Scotland and Wales with additional dates across the UK yet to be announced. The hugely successful virtual sessions will continue this spring with 20 online workshops offering in depth exploration on a variety of topics.
In addition, over 100 students and recent graduates will get access to the Foundation’s free training programme for 19-35 year olds. Those between the ages of 15 – 18 can also gain an insight into music as a career on the Youth Ambassador Programme later in the Spring.
