ARTISTS
Nicola Benedetti, violin
London Symphony Orchestra
Daniel Harding

TRACKLISTING
SZYMANOWSKI: Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 35
SAINT-SAËNS: Havanaise
CHAUSSON: Poème
MASSENET: Méditation from Thaïs
BRAHMS : Wie melodien zieht es mir
JOHN TAVENER: Fragment for the Virgin

17 year old Nicola Benedetti, who became the first Scot to win the BBC Young Musician of 2004, has released her debut album on one of the most prestigious classical labels in the music industry, Deutsche Grammophon (a subsidiary of Universal Music Group).

The album is regarded as one of the most anticipated recordings of recent times, which Nicola recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra. The recording was conducted by 29 year old Daniel Harding, who was recently appointed Principal Guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

It has been a momentous year for the 17 year old violinist, since her triumph in the Young Musician competition, debuting with some of the worlds most respected orchestras, playing for HM the Queen at the opening of the Scottish Parliament and then signing a six album deal with Universal Music.

The album includes the sophisticated Szymanowski Concerto No 1, which Nicola brought to the public's attention last year. Alongside popular favourites by Saint-Saëns, Massenet and Chausson recording also features a new Sir John Taverner work, entitled Fragment for the Virgin that was especially written for Nicola. (The album also features a special backing track of the Mèditation from Tha?s by Massenet which will give Nicola's listeners the opportunity to play accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra.)

PRESS QUOTES:

Nicola Benedetti Quotes

Scotland on Sunday, Scotland's Power 100 2005, May 29th 2005
"The most refreshing and uplifting musical talent to have emerged in Scotland for decades"

The Independent, Rob Cowan (Album Review) May 17th 2005
"The confidence and overall polish of Benedetti's playing are indeed remarkable"
"Full-bodied, lustrous sound"

The Independent, Annette Morreau (Concert Review) May 13th 2005
"she's awesome"
"Her lovely singing sound was both well-focused and yearning"

The Evening Standard, Hilary Finch (Concert Review) 18th May 2005
"a beguiling performance"

The Scotsman, Tim Cornwell Jan 20th 2005
"teenage violin virtuoso"

Daily Record Jan 20th 2005 Front Page Picture
"violin wonder girl"

Daily Mail, Jonathon Brocklebank Nicola takes a bow as music's best young talent May 3rd 2005
"violin prodigy Nicola Benedetti was confirmed as Britain's brightest new star"

The Times, Richard Morrison Jan 12th 2005
"Nicola Benedetti can re-energise classical music"
"sensational performance"

Daily Express, Ross Clark Jan 20th 2005
"Stunning music prodigy"

Daily Mail, Dawn Thompson Jan 20 th 2005
"stunning looks and musical talent"

The Times, (Profile for the Times/South Bank Show Breakthrough star) Jan 17 th 2005
"outstanding talent"
"dazzling potential and glamour"

The Independent, Jessica Duchen Jan 31st 2005
"Nicola Benedetti is exceptional"

The Sunday Times, Giles Hattersley Don't call me a classical babe Jan 23 rd 2005
"the leading face of classical music"

MARKETING PLANS
Advertised in Limelight magazine
CD of the Week on MBS network in August