Nicola hits the top spot with new album

Oct 2 2009 by Yonnie McInnes

AYRSHIRE’S own Nicola Benedetti has hit the number one spot in the classical charts for the second week running with her fourth album Fantasie.

And she is the first violinist of this century to occupy the prestigious position.

Chatline readers may remember I recently featured the latest news on this globetrotting former Wellington School pupil, including the impending release of this album.

The 2004 BBC Young Musician of the Year winner easily stormed to the top of the charts last week with her stunning collection of violin favourites, and has even beaten British violin legend Nigel Kennedy with his re-release of the record-breaking Vivaldi Four Seasons.

Nicola has previously released three albums through revered classical label Deutsche Grammophon, which have included world premiere works by eminent British composers James MacMillan and Sir John Tavener.

A Classical-BRIT winner, Nicola is only the second solo instrumentalist of the year to achieve the top spot in the classical charts, a position usually monopolised by singers including Andrea Bocelli, Hayley Westenra and Katherine Jenkins.

Nicola said: “I am so excited, yet humbled, by the support shown to me from everyone who has bought this CD.

“It has been important to me with this recording that people would be able to find something rewarding in it. It is hard work to spread the word of a classical recording being released, but I am confident that once people hear the wonders of true classical music, they will want to experience more and more of it.”