The Benedetti Foundation Presents 2022 Baroque Virtual Sessions 

Founded by violinist Nicola Benedetti, the program involves sessions with Baroque specialists from September 26 to October 2, 2022

Created in 2019 by Scottish violinist and music education advocate Nicola Benedetti, the Benedetti Foundation enriches the UK’s education communities by providing group music training. Open to all musicians, it specifically targets areas of the UK where high-quality music education experiences are often restricted and under-resourced due to geographical or financial barriers. 

From September 26 to October 2, 2022, the organization’s Baroque Virtual Sessions will include baroque performances, lessons by top professionals, plus opportunities to perform baroque music, and is open to musicians of all ages and playing levels. 

The sessions will be led by Benedetti and internationally acclaimed Baroque specialists including violinist Rachel Podger, violist Clifton Harrison, cellist David Watkin, double bassist Carina Cosgrave, harpsichordist Steven Devine, percussionist Adrian Bending, woodwind player Leo Duarte, brass player Ursula Paludan Monberg, and lutist Elizabeth Kenny. 

Now in its second year, the event will run in three divisions. On September 26–30, participants can join in on the Benedetti Foundation’s social media platforms where short informative videos will be released from the Baroque experts. The videos will also be hosted on the Benedetti Foundation website. 

From October 1–2, live online sessions will be available, where the team of Baroque specialists will deliver sessions live on zoom exploring the baroque music world. Participants are able to join as many sessions as desired, and all sessions will be recorded and available to re-watch within three months. Additionally, from September 26, the 2022 “Discover Baroque Series” will feature on YouTube, hosted by Watkin. 

To register for the event, click here. Registrations by September 30 will receive information ahead of the live weekend which involves a fee of £15 per person. Bursaries are also available for equal accessibility. 

“Enter into this world with us and you won’t look back,” Benedetti said of the program in the press release. “The more you hear and experience and learn, the more you are desperate to know. This music can unlock a freedom inside of us. I have experienced it myself and I am desperate for everyone else to experience that too,” she added. “I really hope you will join our incredible team of Baroque musicians to discover more about this joyous music.”

For more information, click here.

A trailer for the event can be watched below.