Nicola Benedetti – The Silver Violin

On her third visit to Brighton in as many years, Nicola Benedetti provided a refreshingly different approach to the strictures of the classical concert. She is touring a small ensemble with piano and cello and occasional viola and accordion, performing, in the first half, a selection of short pieces capturing just one sentiment. Her illuminating introductions and easy relaxed manner at the mic worked well with the emotion and commitment of the playing.

The second half was Tchaikovsky’s violin trio in A minor, a work full of brooding reflection and sadness. The totally absorbed audience were left so stunned by the spare lament of the coda that they were led to applause by Benedetti herself. Exhilarating.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 15 September 2013

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