Classical Violinist Nicola Benedetti Cracks UK Top 20 Pop Album Charts

Classical violinist Nicola Benedetti, with her new album 'Homecoming: A Scottish Fantasy' has become the first British solo violinist since Vanessa-Mae in 1995 and Nigel Kennedy in 1989 to reach the UK top 20 pop album charts.

Released last week on the Decca Classics label, with conductor Rory Macdonald and the BBC Scottish Symphony, and featuring Bruch's 'Scottish Fantasy' and an assortment of traditional and folk Scottish songs, the new release has shot to 1 on the UK classical charts and number 19 in the pop album charts.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have reached the top 20, not something a classical artist ever expects,” the 26 year old has said, “... I hope the music, in all its diversity, is providing some uplift and pleasure.”