Nicola Benedetti to Present Six-Part Series on Classic FM

"The Truth About Classical Music with Nicola Benedetti" will offer an insight into the less publicly visible aspects of the classical music industry

Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti has come on board as a presenter for the British radio station Classic FM. Over the summer, she will present a new six-part series titled The Truth About Classical Music with Nicola Benedetti — which takes its cue from the 2025 Edinburgh Festival theme, "The Truth We Seek."

In each episode, Benedetti aims to demystify some aspects of the industry that remain elusive to more general audiences. The first episode will see her discuss working with different conductors, the physical demands of touring, and the long-term impact of injuries on a performing life — as well as some of her favorite repertoire.

Later episodes will tackle topics such as how much she practices, her own practice and rehearsal routines, and stories from some of the legendary performers she has collaborated with over the years.

A graduate of the Yehudi Menuhin School, where she studied with Lord Menuhin and Natasha Boyarskaya, Benedetti won the BBC Young Musician of the Year award when she was just 16 years old. She performs regularly with many of the world's finest orchestras and conductors.

In 2019, she established her own music-education charity in the form of the Benedetti Foundation, which provides a multitude of online resources, live events, and educational materials to promote classical music.

"I’m excited to host my first series on Classic FM," Benedetti said. "Together, we’ll take a peak behind the scenes into the truth of performing live and practicing."

"We will look at a musician’s understanding of our audiences through the perspective of my directorship of Edinburgh International Festival, and the importance of fostering a positive relationship to music early in life, something we champion at The Benedetti Foundation."

"I’ll be sharing many favorite pieces of music of mine, and hope audiences will enjoy listening as much as I will presenting it."

"Nicola is one of the greatest violinists of her generation and shares our passion for making classical music accessible to all," said Philip Noyce, Managing Editor of Classic FM. "So we’re thrilled that she’s joining the Classic FM family for this exclusive series, The Truth About Classical Music with Nicola Benedetti."

"Through it, Nicola will offer our listeners rare and personal insights, sharing her experiences and lifelong commitment to a remarkable career devoted to classical music."