Following its establishment in 2020, how has the initiative expanded from physical sessions, to emerging through the pandemic, to reaching 100,000 musicians worldwide?
We can all remember back to February and March 2020 – a time of uncertainty where the news about Covid-19 was changing hourly before the world shut down, transforming not only the way we lived and communicated, but how we made music. Who can forget the video performances comprising countless rectangles of musicians, cobbled together with tracks recorded from all around the world?
Emerging from that turbulent time was the Benedetti Foundation, established by Scottish violinist and music education advocate Nicola Benedetti. The Foundation celebrates its fifth birthday this year, following its first piece of output, 2019’s ’With Nicky’ series, with the establishment of the Foundation in January 2020.
Sessions were held in-person initially, then virtually, as musicians adapted to new ways of learning and teaching.
Known for delivering ’transformative experiences through mass music events and aims to ensure equal access to music participation and appreciation for all,’ the foundation offers some impressive stats reflecting its first five years:
- 100,000 participants of all ages and levels in 137 countries.
- 15 live Benedetti Sessions in locations across the UK working with 17,000 young people.
- Each year the week-long Residency Sessions reach around 18,000 young people.
- 450 participants on the Ambassador Programme nurturing the next generation of music educators
- Worked with over 900 adult learners.
- Online free educational video resources: ‘With Nicky’ and other Foundation videos have had over 6.6 million views.
‘Five years ago The Benedetti Foundation began an incredible journey rooted in the deep belief that music has the power to inspire, to connect and to transform lives,’ said Benedetti.
’As we celebrate the Foundation’s fifth birthday, we reflect on the people and the experiences that have shaped this period. From our very first physical sessions to the global online sessions that brought us all together through the most challenging of times, we have seen music literally transcend barriers.’
She continues: ’Now as we look ahead, we carry forward our mission with renewed purpose: to empower and inspire people through music; to reach even more communities and individuals; to continue celebrating the diversity and richness of musical expression and to deepen the impact of music on people’s lives.’
The Benedetti Foundation aims to continue its work throughout 2025 and beyond. Live sessions include two Benedetti Sessions, 13 Residency Sessions and six adult learner days. Virtual Sessions continue in the form of 20 Mini Sessions comprising short, focused online workshops designed to provide in depth and detailed exploration on a wide variety of topics.
The Foundation will also welcome over 100 students and recent graduates in its Amabassador Programme, an annual free training programme for 19—35-year-olds, as well as its Youth Ambassador Programme for those aged between 15 and 18, to offer insight into music careers.
Read: My Experience: Phoebe Clarke, Benedetti Foundation Ambassador Programme
Read: Opinion: Making the most out of chamber music coaching
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