The violinist Nicola Benedetti’s Foundation has announced The Virtual Benedetti Sessions, which will offer programmes of musical activity to young musicians, conservatoire and university level music students, instrumental teachers, adult learners, non-instrumentalists, amateur musicians, parents, siblings and ‘anyone else wanting to bang a pot or pan’.
Created in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, the project provides three weeks of free online tuition from Monday 11 May, preparing collectively for a final weekend of activity on 30 and 31 May celebrating the coming together of the global music community. The Grand Finale will take place on Sunday 31 May at 4pm BST.
The Sessions, hosted on YouTube, Zoom and across social media platforms will be led by Nicola Benedetti and her expert Foundation team of tutors and ambassadors.
Nicola Benedetti is one of the world’s leading advocates for quality music education, the role of arts and culture in the wider community and the transformational effect it has on all young people. She has been committed to education projects since the age of 15 and in the past 12 months has worked with over 4,000 students and 700 teachers.
Nicola Benedetti said:
‘This is a difficult time for everyone – the pandemic has affected every corner of our lives. I have a desire to make sure we are being as active as possible in the most helpful and serious way. The first Virtual Benedetti Sessions will offer anyone who wants to get involved the opportunity to be inspired, to work towards a goal and to come together. We hope for a collective moment, not just of music appreciation, but a sort of meditation and reflection of these unparalleled times whilst, of course celebrating the wonderful and collective achievement of young musicians all over the world.’
The Virtual Benedetti Sessions runs from 11-31 May 2020.
Header photo: Nicola Benedetti © Andy Gotts
