One of Scotland’s most talented classical musicians entertained hundreds of people in Dundee on Thursday evening.
Violinist Nicola Benedetti was the star of the show at the concert in the Caird Hall.
With celebrated conductor Peter Oundjian holding the baton, her performance held the audience spellbound.
Earlier in the day, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) violinist played with pupils from Baldragon Academy in a concert to commemorate the start of the First World War.
Baldragon Academy head of music Fiona Anderson said: “Baldragon Academy music pupils have thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic experience as part of the community project which they are involved in.
“Our Advanced Higher pupils used First World War poetry and events as a stimulus for their compositions and are delighted that their music will be performed by musicians from the RSNO. Throughout the workshops our pupils have worked alongside John Maxwell Geddes, one of Scotland’s leading composers, and Bill Chandler the associate leader of the RSNO.”
RSNO director of learning and engagement, Jenn Minchin, said: “The RSNO is very proud of its partnership with Baldragon Academy, part of a wider drive to engage with more young people in the area. We have been delighted with the levels of talent and commitment shown by these professional youngsters.
“The event will be a fitting tribute as part of the First World War commemoration activities.”
Baldragon Academy and the RSNO have been working together to deliver inspiring music projects over the past two years.
Last year, the pupils planned and delivered a community tea dance with the help of the RSNO, and in June two Baldragon pupils, Chloe and Ross, were invited to the orchestra’s home to join other youngsters from across the country, to plan, promote and present their own concert.
CAIRD HALL HAILS ANOTHER NICOLA
For the second time in a week, a Nicola sold out the Caird Hall, writes Andrew Liddle.
Of course, it was a slightly different crowd to the one that cheered on the First Minister-in-waiting last Friday.
The fans of violinist Nicola Benedetti, seemingly unperturbed by torrential rain and high winds, turned up at the City Square venue in their hundreds.
When she entered the stage you could be forgiven for thinking that it was Beyonce, not Benedetti, who was about to play, so great were the cheers from the predominantly middle-aged crowd.
Violin in hand, she brought the audience into an almost eerie, silent rapture.
Every face in the house was transfixed on the musical maestro in the emerald dress.
When the music finally stopped, such was the cheering and stomping of feet, that it seemed the audience itself had sprung into symphony.
The encores continued to ring out long after Benedetti bowed out from the stage.
The audience left delighted to have seen her in action.