A quick chat with...Nicola Benedetti

When did you first perform at the Usher Hall?
When I was 12 years old performing for children’s classic concerts. 
 
What is it that makes performing at the Usher Hall special?
It is a particularly beautiful venue with old style grandeur and a lot of natural resonance, but it is always the people that make a place special. 
 
Have you attended any concerts at the Usher Hall as an audience member rather than a performer?  If so which ones?
I have watched the second half of many performances in there but particularly memorable was at EIF - Brahms Symphony No 1 with LSO and Valery Gergiev. 
 
Which performances in the Usher Hall stand out in your memory and why?
I think it has to be winning BBC Young Musician here in 2004. I was 16 and it was a hugely important moment in my life. I remember it so vividly and the atmosphere was electric. 
 
You are a huge supporter of the younger generation of musicians, what is the best advice you could give them? 
Try to get as close as possible to what you understand the feeling of the music to be. The deeper you connect to the feeling of any piece, the quicker you will work out how best to express it. Keep consistent with practice, listen to a lot of great classical compositions and don’t be disheartened. Learning to play an instrument is very difficult. 
 
Is there anything you still want to achieve professionally e.g. anyone you would like to perform with?
My hope is for continued improvement as a violinist, musician and person throughout my life. I’m committed to improvement, and only hope I have the diligence and patience to continue to learn. 
 
What is your favourite kind of music (outside of classical music)?
Jazz
 
Do you think there is something special about performing in your home country?
Playing in Scotland is always significant to me and I love returning and always make time to. I have so much love for the people and the music-making in Scotland so always relish going back.