Nicola Benedetti, violin on Jan 28, 2026 | UCSB Arts & Lectures

Director, Edinburgh International Festival

Nicola Benedetti, violin 
Plínio Fernandes, guitar 
Hanzhi Wang, accordion 
Adrian Daurov, cello

“Benedetti is an absorbing musical storyteller. Like all the best, she leaves you wanting more.” Minnesota Star-Tribune

“Her exquisite playing combin[es] true virtuosity and a deep musical intelligence.” The Herald (Scotland)

“For an hour the audience sat spellbound by a display of focused virtuosity that was so extraordinary it shouldn’t have been possible.” The Times (U.K.) ★★★★★ 

Grammy-winning Scottish violinist and Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, Nicola Benedetti brings her signature blend of passion and virtuosity to an imaginative new ensemble featuring guitar, accordion and cello. Reimagining beloved classical works by such canonical figures as Clara Schumann and Arturo Paganini through this unique instrumentation, Benedetti continues to champion the art form while captivating new audiences with her radiant tone and charismatic stage presence. “This is an artist who exudes star quality,” raves The Herald (Scotland).

Program 
Bloch: “Prayer” from From Jewish Life 
Ponce: Estrellita
Sarasate: Carmen Concert Fantasy 
Sarasate: Caprice Basque 
Jay Ungar: Ashokan Farewell 
Peter Maxwell Davies: Farewell to Stromness
Plus works by Clara Schumann and Paganini along with new commissions and arrangements of traditional Scottish music