Nicola Benedetti named as next director of the Edinburgh International Festival
She will take up the role later this year
Last updated 1st Mar 2022
The award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti is going to become the Festival Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, making her the first woman and the first Scot to hold the role since the event began in 1947.
The Irvine-born musician and educator has won Grammy and Brit Awards, nine honourary degrees and a CBE during a distinguished career.
On 1st October, following the conclusion of this year's festival. she will replace Fergus Linehan, who has held the post for eight years.
Nicola Benedetti 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 Board of Trustees, Edinburgh International Festival, said: “It is such a pleasure to welcome Nicola Benedetti as both the first woman and the first Scottish director of the Edinburgh International Festival.
"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.
“As an artist, her string of collaborators reads like a who's who of the world of classical music and as an educator she has reached tens of thousands worldwide. I have no doubt that she will bring a wealth of new ideas to the organisation and build on Fergus' exceptional work from the last eight years.”