Dundee Symphony Orchestra (DSO) have just appointed internationally-renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti as a new patron.
The Scottish musician takes over from the Queen’s composer Peter Maxwell-Davies who sadly passed earlier this year.
Ian Jarvis, president of DSO, is thrilled to have the high profile Scottish musician on board.
“Nicola Benedetti is a great ambassador for Scottish music generally and although she’s not quite a local lass. She has played in Dundee several times and does a lot to promote music in the community. This fits in perfectly with our profile as we are a community-based orchestra,” he says.
So can we expect to see Nicola on the SDO’s programme in the near future?
“She’s a busy lass but I hope there will be some collaboration in the future,” says Ian.
“Peter Maxwell-Davies came and performed with us few years back which was great – it’s a nice way for the patron to get involved with the orchestra.”
DSO, an amateur orchestra, is more than 100 years old and Ian is proud that it is currently enjoying what he describes as “a golden era”.
“We have more than 60 members ranging in age from 16 year olds to people who are retired, and the wind and brass section is particularly strong at the moment, while we have a full complement of violinists, and a waiting list of more, which is unusual,” he explains.
DSO’s Facebook comment reads: “We are delighted to announce that we have appointed a new patron for Dundee Symphony Orchestra. Nicola Benedetti has kindly agreed to fill this role. We can’t promise we’ll be performing with her soon, but it’s a privilege to have our name associated with such a talented musician. Thanks Nicky.”
