Trawling through the list of Nicola Benedetti's achievements to date it seems impossible that these have all been garnered is just 26 years.
Apart from fitting in three to seven hours violin practice a day here is a world traveller, solo artist with top class orchestras, chamber music musician; a dedicated all-rounder.
Her recent Silver Violin recording topped the classical charts and also gained recognition in pop charts, then in May 2013 culminated in an MBE for her international career and stalwart work for UK music charities.
Nicola delivered a most eclectic programme after her warm, welcoming address to a delighted audience.
Partnered by pianist Alexei Grynyuk the range of musical treats was broad, from a familiar Saint Saens showpiece of sparkling virtuosity, spot on hair-raising harmonics and dark gypsy tones, to the thought-provoking poignancy of John Williams' Schindler's List.
Nostalgic contemporary film music rubbed shoulders with 16year old Mahler's Opus 1 Piano Quartet. Balance from florid to muted was sensitive throughout. Then smiles all round for Gardel's foot-tapping exotic Tango featuring piano accordion, plus Nicola's violinist sister Stephanie, joining the merry band.
A tour-de-force filled the second half with Tchaikovsky's gargantuan A Minor Piano Trio. A huge undertaking from semplice exquisite piano strands to a kaleidoscope of deliciously integrated variations played with conviction and imagination, plus a gutsy thought-provoking fugue presented with evident commitment and enjoyment.
Also, what a joy to be able to hear the 1717 'Gariel' Stradivarius throughout the concert.
A standing ovation was the least the entrance audience could achieve!
