Violinist Nicola Benedetti is collaborating with Glasgow UNESCO City of Music to launch ‘The Benedetti Sessions’, a weekend of open concerts, masterclasses and sessions aimed at inspiring and developing young string players. Held at Glasgow’s City Halls from March 22 to 24, 2013, the weekend will begin with an opportunity for young musicians to perform with Benedetti in a special participatory event. Throughout the weekend she will also work with string players from the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Bartók’s Divertimento, culminating in a public concert, and will conduct an open masterclass focusing on solo repertoire.

‘I have wanted to do something like this for years as an extension of my music education work,’ said Benedetti. ‘I’m just delighted to have the support of Glasgow UNESCO City of Music, Creative Scotland, NYOS  and RCS. I really hope the weekend will be insightful and enjoyable for the 40 young people and children participating but also for the public who come join in and watch our performances and sessions.’

In addition to her solo and recording work, Benedetti has a strong commitment to music education and was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year’s honours list for her services to music and to musical charities. The Benedetti Sessions will coincide with the violinist’s Scottish tour (March 22 to 24) for 'The Silver Violin', a disc of Hollywood-inspired works released on Universal Classics.

For full details of 'The Benedetti Sessions' and to take part, visit benedettisessions.com. Tickets will be available from January 25 at glasgowconcerthalls.com.