Benedetti Foundation Director Resigns

Laura Gardiner, who became Foundation Director in 2020, will return to her previous career in the primary teaching sector

The Benedetti Foundation was established in 2019 by violinist and advocate Nicola Benedetti CBE and provides equal access to music participation and mass music events.

The organization recently announced that its Foundation Director, Laura Gardiner, will stand down from her role in mid-November. Gardiner has been involved in the Foundation since its earliest days, beginning as Education Director and being appointed Foundation Director in April 2020.

Gardiner, a violinist, studied at the University of Leeds and the Royal Northern College of Music. She then trained as a primary school teacher, where she learned first-hand how much a child's socio-economic standing can determine the kinds of music education they can access.

She was the founder of the Oasby Music Group, which provided opportunities for beginner string players to learn the art of chamber music early on in their development. The group was the only state-educated ensemble to reach the finals and win the Pro Corda Chamber Music Competition three years in a row, and they also won the overall performance trophy at the Grantham Music Festival on five occasions.

Gardiner also spent fifteen years working with the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain and is a founding Trustee of Scotland's Music Education Partnership Group.

During her time at the Benedetti Foundation, Gardiner ran the Benedetti Sessions from their inception, working in tandem with Nicola Benedetti to develop the content of each session. She also worked to develop every other activity that the foundation offers, as well as running its finances and being responsible for its strategic vision.

“Laura began this organization alongside me, and has been integral to its growth and achievements to date,” said Nicola Benedetti. “We are so grateful to Laura for all her hard work and dedication. As we look to celebrate our 5th birthday in 2025, we are planning carefully for our future, as we have much work to do for the betterment of music education in the UK.”

“I am beyond proud of what The Benedetti Foundation has achieved over the last five years,” Gardiner said. “To all those that I have personally connected with through Benedetti Sessions, Residencies, both of the flourishing Ambassador Programmes and more - what a privilege it has been. You have continually inspired me as a Director, Teacher, Musician and Human Being.”

“I look forward to keeping in touch with everyone through my continued work within the vital music education sector. Thank you to the whole team, our incredible Tutors and Ambassadors, donors and the Trustees for their support throughout these formative years at the Foundation. I can't wait to see what the next five years for The Benedetti Foundation will look like!”