Violinist Benedetti to be next director of Edinburgh International Festival
The award-winning musician said she was ‘deeply honoured’ by her new role.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Violinist Nicola Benedetti has been named as the next director of the Edinburgh International Festival – becoming both the first woman and the first Scot to take on the prestigious role.
The musician, who started taking violin lessons at the age of four, said she was “deeply honoured” by the appointment.
The Grammy and Brit Award-winning violinist will succeed Fergus Linehan, who has held the post for the last eight years.
Ms Benedetti, 34, who was born in Irvine, North Ayrshire, now becomes director designate of the festival, before formally becoming its director on October 1 2022, after Mr Linehan leaves.
She said: “I am deeply honoured to contribute to the long and rich history of the Edinburgh International Festival and the cultural landscape of Scotland.
“This festival was founded on principles of reconciliation and the ideals of art transcending political and cultural fracture.
“Following in the footsteps of the wonderful achievements of Fergus Linehan and his predecessors, I will uphold these values and greatly look forward to serving this festival, its mission of cultural exchanges and the people of Scotland.”
Keith Skeoch, chair of the festival’s board of trustees, said it was “such a pleasure to welcome Ms Benedetti as both the first woman and the first Scottish director of the Edinburgh International Festival”.
He added: “In many ways she reflects the spirit of this festival; internationally recognised and respected but Scottish to her core, she’s dedicated to advocating world-class music-making and innovating new ways to bring it to audiences.”
I welcome Nicola Benedetti’s appointment as director - especially as she becomes the first woman to ever hold the role
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon – who was also born in Irvine – welcomed the appointment.
Ms Sturgeon said: “The Edinburgh International Festival has a worldwide reputation for its excellent work in bringing world-leading artists together, celebrating the performing arts and promoting Scotland’s rich culture and heritage to an international audience.
“I’m sure that people across the country are looking forward to supporting the festival’s full in-person return after two years and welcoming visitors and artists from around the world to Scotland.
“I welcome Nicola Benedetti’s appointment as director – especially as she becomes the first woman to ever hold the role.
“Her experience in promoting Scotland’s cultural scene to audiences around the world will be invaluable and I wish her every success.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.