Nicola Benedetti embarks on first UK solo tour in a decade
Violinist Nicola Benedetti is in the midst of her first national solo tour of the UK in ten years, following a concert in Dundee, demonstrating an energised return to performing, reports BritPanorama.
The last decade has seen significant changes for Benedetti and the music industry at large, marked by events such as Brexit, which has complicated UK musicians’ touring prospects in Europe with increased bureaucracy, as well as the Covid pandemic, which halted live performances. For Benedetti, this period has been nothing short of “monumental,” as she reflects on lost opportunities and personal growth.
“Covid wiped out several years of touring,” she recalls. “I had big programmes planned, dates lined up – then we had to cancel everything. Coming out the other side, I was juggling the festival, family and becoming a mother. The volume of work involved in just getting everything back into physical spaces after so long was enormous.”
Since winning the BBC Young Musician competition in 2004, Benedetti has occupied a prominent place in the British classical music scene. Now 38, she has not only established herself as a leading soloist but has also become an important advocate for classical music amid funding challenges in the UK. The ongoing conversation about the role of orchestras and cultural investment has intensified, leaving her passionate about the arts’ vital place in society.
In addition to her touring, Benedetti has taken on the artistic directorship of the Edinburgh International Festival since 2022, where her initiatives in music education through the Benedetti Foundation have expanded in recent years. She balances these career demands with motherhood, sharing that her daughter, Elise, accompanies her on tour and has developed a natural affinity for music.
Benedetti prefers to keep her personal life private, though she acknowledges the influence of her husband, jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, particularly through a violin concerto he composed for her. She has recently performed this piece in New York alongside her UK tour, which features performances across 14 venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London on 27 November.
The tour’s repertoire, titled the Violin Café, ranges from pieces by Wieniawski and Sarasate to classical Scottish songs and intimate works like Debussy’s Beau Soir. Unique arrangements for a combination of violin, guitar, accordion, and cello accompany her performances, which create a diverse auditory experience. Benedetti emphasises the relaxed and cultural versatility of these instruments as opposed to the traditional piano-violin duo.
Since the tour began in mid-October, she has noted a palpable chemistry among her fellow musicians, resulting in a joyful and improvisational atmosphere on stage. “It’s one gleeful excitement after another,” she describes.
Benedetti articulates her belief in the power of music as a transformative force, recognising its dual nature in times of crisis. “Making art in times of trouble isn’t escapism; it’s resilience. It’s a symbol of persistence against the darkness. Sometimes people desperately need beautiful things,” she states.
With the Benedetti Foundation, her commitment to nurturing young musicians across the UK continues to flourish. Following a shift from online formats to in-person workshops, she praises the efforts of teachers dedicated to fostering musical talent, which she considers a privilege to witness. Her drive to support classical music emerges from a desire to ensure diverse cultural exposure for younger generations.
The ongoing success of the Edinburgh International Festival under her directorship further exemplifies her commitment, with the 2025 event achieving record attendance and a significant number of affordable tickets for diverse audiences. “I want this to be the most affordable festival of artistic excellence in the world,” she asserts, aiming to broaden access to cultural experiences.
Benedetti sees music as a vital tool for societal change, fostering dialogue and understanding. “Art gives us a space to observe, to ask why, to have conversations that are impossible in the narrow confines of political debate,” she explains with pragmatic optimism.
“You can’t get everything right,” she acknowledges, “but the most important thing is to keep growing, keep reaching new people and stay rooted in what really matters.” As she continues her tour, the impact of her artistry underscores the relevance of music in fostering resilience and connection in contemporary society.
Nicola Benedetti’s UK tour continues until 4 December. ‘Violin Café’ is released on Decca Classics today. Tickets for the Edinburgh International Festival are available from 27 November.
