2025 News Updates
We are delighted to share highlights of our year with you!
September 2025
The Benedetti Sessions Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
In September, we returned to the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow for a truly inspiring weekend of music-making at the Benedetti Sessions. We are delighted to share with you a special video from these sessions, celebrating a season of creativity, collaboration, and connection through music.
Our young participants and dedicated tutors came together to perform a selection of vibrant repertoire that filled the hall with energy and joy. The atmosphere was electric, as musicians of all levels shared in the excitement of live performance and learning.
The weekend was led by Nicola , whose passion and leadership continue to elevate and energise our community. Her involvement in every step of the sessions brought an unforgettable sense of purpose and unity — and we are thrilled to share this special moment with you.
August 2025
Social Summer School
Throughout August, our wonderful online community – The Benedetti Social – is hosting a Summer School designed to bring people together, stay motivated, and keep practising.
Each week, we’ll be sharing short videos, tips, and challenges to inspire your playing and encourage connection with others. Whether you’re looking for a gentle push to practise, new ideas to explore, or simply the joy of being part of a supportive community, the Social Summer School is here to help.
It’s all about consistency, encouragement, and shared progress – with space to post, discuss, and connect with fellow musicians along the way.
Join us on The Benedetti Social and be part of this uplifting summer of music-making.
July 2025
The Benedetti Sessions - London
This July, we welcomed hundreds of young people, teachers, and adult learners to our London Benedetti Sessions for three days of joyful music-making and shared discovery. The event brought together participants of all ages and abilities, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy, curiosity, and collaboration.
Led by Nicola Benedetti and our team of inspiring tutors, the sessions explored ensemble playing, instrumental technique, and creative expression, with a strong focus on communication and connection through music. Young musicians worked intensively in sectionals and full orchestral rehearsals, while teachers engaged in practical workshops, discussions, and reflections on their own practice.
Highlights included a massed performance that captured the spirit of unity and celebration, as well as moments of quiet focus where participants deepened their skills and confidence. Feedback from attendees spoke of renewed motivation, lasting friendships, and the unique Benedetti Foundation atmosphere of generosity and joy.
We are immensely grateful to everyone who joined us, to the parents, teachers, and supporters who made participation possible, and to our wonderful team of tutors and volunteers. London 2025 was a true celebration of music’s power to connect us all.
July 2025
Classic Fm
Our Founding Director Nicola Benedetti is hosting her first-ever radio series on Classic FM, launching a six‑part exploration titled "The Truth About Classical Music with Nicola Benedetti". Inspired by the Edinburgh International Festival’s 2025 theme, “The Truth We Seek”, the series invites listeners behind the curtain of classical music—sharing stories of stage life, rehearsal challenges, the mental and physical demands of performance, and her most cherished repertoire, from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to Beethoven’s Violin Concerto Facebook+14Classic FM+14Classic FM+14.
Airing every Friday at 9 pm from 27 June to 1 August, episodes are available on Classic FM, the Global Player app, and catch‑up platforms Global Player+3Classic FM+3Classic FM+3. Throughout the series, Nicola draws on her experiences as both performer and educator, offering candid insight into working with conductors, maintaining rigorous practice routines, and forging meaningful creative collaborations..
Nicola reflects: “I’m excited to host my first series on Classic FM. Together, we’ll take a peek behind the scenes into the truth of performing live and practicing… and the importance of fostering a positive relationship to music early in life, something we champion at The Benedetti Foundation.”
May 2025
Welcome to our new
Chief Executive
We are delighted to introduce our new Chief Executive - Paul Fitzpatrick.
” I am thrilled to be joining The Benedetti Foundation at such an exciting and pivotal time. Music education was my way into the arts as a child, and that truly changed my life. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every young person—regardless of background—has access to the transformative power of the arts. I look forward to working with Nicola, the team, and the wider Foundation community to build on its incredible success and help shape its future.” - Paul Fitzpatrick;
April 2025
Announcing the London and Glasgow Sessions
We are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for not one, but two major Benedetti Sessions in 2025:
London Benedetti Sessions – 12–13 July 2025, Southbank Centre
Glasgow Benedetti Sessions – 12–14 September 2025
The Benedetti Sessions are at the heart of our mission: to bring together musicians of all ages and abilities in a spirit of collective music-making, discovery, and joy. Both weekends will feature tailored workshops designed to nurture creativity, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of music.
Across London and Glasgow, participants will experience:
Young String Player Orchestras – for school-age players of all levels, rehearsing both ensemble and individual pieces (with resources provided in advance).
Teacher Workshops – offering string teachers practical strategies, inspiration, and a supportive community.
Primary School Sessions – giving children their first unforgettable experience of live, collective music-making.
Led by our world-class team of tutors and supported by our dedicated Ambassadors, the London and Glasgow Sessions promise to be two of the most exciting musical gatherings of 2025.
Applications are open now – join us in London or Glasgow for an unforgettable celebration of playing, learning, and the joy of music.
March 2025
This month we spotlight our Digital Resources, available free to everyone. From General Musicianship to Discover Baroque and Teaching Primary Music, these tools help teachers and learners connect with music in fun, accessible ways. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, a young player, or a curious listener, the Benedetti Foundation is here to support your journey.
February 2025
February sees the full launch of the Ambassador Programme, as participants dive into their training. Ambassadors will work closely with Benedetti Foundation tutors throughout the year, gaining invaluable experience in music education and performance.
Our Mini Sessions continue to thrive in 2025, offering short, focused online workshops designed for musicians, teachers, and music lovers of all ages. Each session is led by world-class musicians and educators from the Benedetti Foundation team, covering a wide range of themes including:
Instrumental technique – practical tips to unlock better sound, posture, and musical freedom.
Musical wellbeing – sessions on practice planning, confidence, and the mental health benefits of music-making.
Creative exploration – interactive workshops encouraging improvisation, composition, and musical play.
Teaching insights – support for classroom teachers and instrumental tutors, with accessible strategies to inspire young learners.
The Mini Sessions are a flexible, low-commitment way to connect with music: just 60–90 minutes long, affordable, and open to participants across the world. Resources are provided so you can keep learning after the session ends.
In 2025, these workshops remain a vital part of our mission to bring high-quality, inclusive, and joyful music education to everyone, wherever they are.
January 2025
Ambassadors
The year begins with energy as our Ambassador Programme 2025 gets underway. From February through December, our new cohort of student Ambassadors will explore teaching, leadership, and creative skills, supported by our dedicated team.
Alongside this, our Youth Ambassador Programme continues to inspire 15–18 year olds across the UK with free online sessions, creative projects, and career insights.
January 2025
Happy New Year
As 2025 begins, we are filled with gratitude and excitement as we step into the Benedetti Foundation’s 5th Anniversary year.
To everyone who has been part of our journey so far — thank you.
To all the participants and your families, who bring energy, curiosity, and joy to every session.
To our inspirational team of Tutors and Ambassadors, and the Guest Artists who share their artistry so generously.
To our dedicated admin, tech, and support teams, who make everything possible behind the scenes.
We are also deeply thankful to the many organisations, music services, charities, and venues we have had the privilege of collaborating with, and to the volunteers who give their time so selflessly.
And finally, our heartfelt thanks goes to our incredibly generous donors. Your support has enabled our programmes to evolve and grow, keeping our work open and accessible to as many people as possible.
As we celebrate five years of collective music-making, learning, and community, we look ahead to 2025 with excitement — a year that will bring inspiring sessions in London and Glasgow, the continued growth of our Ambassador programmes, and many more opportunities to share the joy of music with you all.
We couldn’t have reached this milestone without you. Thank you for being part of the Benedetti Foundation’s story — here’s to the next five years and beyond.
Happy New Year and Happy Anniversary from all of us at the Benedetti Foundation!