Nicola Benedetti is a Scottish classical violinist from North Ayrshire, Scotland. She begins learning the violin at the age of four and, by the age of nine, has passed eight grades of musical examinations.

Early training

In September 1997, she begins studying at the Yehudi Menuhin School for young musicians in rural Surrey. At the end of her first year, she plays solo in the school’s annual concert at Wigmore Hall and performs in London and Paris as soloist in Bach’s Concerto in D minor for two violins and orchestra. She also appears in a memorial concert at Westminster Abbey marking the life and work of Yehudi Menuhin.

Performances and awards

In the following year, she performs with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Opera, among others. In 2002, she wins Britain’s Brilliant Prodigy Competition, which is broadcast nationwide by Carlton Television.

Later study

After leaving the Menuhin School, she begins studying at the age of 15 with Maciej Rakowski, who is the former leader of the English Chamber Orchestra.