Nicola Benedetti Reveals 'Relentless Demands' Faced as Prodigious Teen

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British violinist Nicola Benedetti has revealed, in a candid interview with Britain's BBC Radio 4, the struggles she faced as a 16 year old, plunged into the 'extremely cut-throat' world of classical music.

The 26 year old has told after winning the 2004 'BBC Young Musician of the Year' accolade, she was signed to a £1 million deal and thrust into a 110 year concert schedule – despite her obvious outward signs of 'anxiety', 'nerves', under-prepareness and 'self doubt'.

'I feel disappointed senior figures in the industry failed to assist,' she has said '.... by the age of 17, 18, I was going through a very tough time."

[video_lightbox_youtube video_id="qJia2-wfqk8" width="590" height="385" auto_thumb="1" ]Nicola Benedetti | Szymanowski Violin Concerto No. 1 | 2004 BBC Young Musician of the Year