As Scottish classical violinist Nicola Benedetti heads for Aberdeen this Sunday as part of an 11-date UK tour, Laura Redpath finds out more about the musician’s whirlwind career in the industry
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME A VIOLINIST?
I was influenced by my sister, who also wanted to play. I started when I was four and went to music school in London when I was 10.
DO YOU REMEMBER THE MOMENT WHEN YOU THOUGHT, WOW, I’VE MADE IT?
There was no real moment like that for me. When you start at four, you don’t really know any other way. I practised for hours every day and because it’s a very incremental thing, you get better as you go along and the better you get, the more enjoyment you have.
YOUR CAREER HAS TAKEN YOU ALL OVER THE WORLD. DO YOU
HAVE A FAVOURITE PLACE?
I travel all the time for performances, but I don’t really have a favourite place. I’ve been to so many countries and I always try to find something new and interesting while travelling.
YOU WON BBC YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR WHEN YOU WERE JUST 16 AND, IN 2013, YOU WERE MADE AN MBE. HOW DID IT FEEL TO ACHIEVE SUCH PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS?
It doesn’t feel like a personal achievement. It feels more like something someone else decided I was worthy of. I’m very grateful and very appreciative of the fact that someone has given me an award, but I really don’t take it too personally or start feeling better about myself.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE VENUE TO PERFORM IN AND WHY?
Each venue turns into the spirit of the music I’m playing and also begins to mirror how I feel the concert is going, so I can’t really choose one. I will say, though, that the UK has many wonderful halls.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
I don’t have a lot of breaks. I’m often learning about other things related to music, but that’s part of my lifestyle. It doesn’t feel like a job, because I really enjoy what I do. I’m not looking for holidays all the time.
WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR UPCOMING TOUR IS THE MOST EXCITING?
The music we’re playing is all incredibly uplifting and positive. Classical music obviously has an endless array of emotions, but these pieces all happen to be extremely jubilant and effervescent. I am most looking forward to sharing this with all the wonderful musicians I am touring with, and the audiences.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOUR PERFORMANCE IN ABERDEEN?
The tour is focused on Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence. I think the audience will really enjoy the concert.
Nicola Benedetti: Italy and the Four Seasons will be at The Music Hall in Aberdeen this Sunday, September 20, from 8pm. For tickets, contact the box office on 01224 641122 or visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com