Nicola Benedetti presented with Edinburgh Award by Lord Provost for festival director role

Classical violinist Nicola Benedetti was officially presented with the 2023 Edinburgh Award on Tuesday evening.

The coveted award celebrates individuals who have made a unique contribution to the city and brought it to national and international attention.

Benedetti was chosen to receive the award this year for her role as festival director of the Edinburgh International Festival.

The 36-year-old was presented with an engraved loving cup from the Lord Provost and had her handprints set in stone at the City Chambers.

Previous recipients include bestselling authors, ground-breaking scientists, human rights activists and sports stars.

The city’s Lord Provost and chair of the Edinburgh Award panel, Robert Aldridge said: “I was delighted to present Nicola Benedetti with the Edinburgh Award yesterday evening.

“Nicola’s handprints are now immortalised in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle, and she deservedly follows in the footsteps of some of the finest individuals associated with our great city.

“From heading up one of the world’s most important cultural celebrations in the Edinburgh International Festival, to being a globally renowned musician in her own right, she has represented the capital with pride, dedication, and skill.

“Nicola is also one of the youngest ever recipients of the Edinburgh Award which shows the measure and scale of her talent and achievements.

“I’d also highlight the fantastic work of the Benedetti Foundation, based in the city, which focuses on musical education, participation, and experiences. Since its establishment in 2019 it has reached over 50,000 participants of all ages from 103 countries,

“I’d like to congratulate Nicola on behalf of the city, and I’m sure she will continue to do great things in the future, both here in Edinburgh and beyond.”

Benedetti added: “Each gift in our life, such as the role of Festival Director or a recognition such as this award, serves as a propeller – and an opportunity for choice.

“Each gift holds the potential for responsibility to others, that you choose to serve and grasp, or not.

“Each gift is a reminder of our place in a lineage of contributors to bettering life for ourselves and for others; a reminder of the collective potential we have when we all consider – in our own unique way – our civic and moral duty.”