17 year old Nicola Benedetti, who became the first Scot to win the BBC Young Musician of 2004, released her debut album recently 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 BBC Young Musician competition, debuting with some of the world’s 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 features a selection of Concerti and violin repertoire, including the sophisticated Szymanowski Concerto No 1, which Nicola brought to the public’s attention last year. The recording will also feature a new Sir John Tavener work, entitled ‘Fragment for the Virgin’ that was especially written for Nicola. The album also features a special backing track of the Mèditation from Thais by Massenet which will give Nicola’s listeners the opportunity to play accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Nicola is playing at the Barbican
30 July at 7.30pm
Box office 0845 120 7500