Winning Story

[gareth]

You can now view Nicola Benedetti on her Winning Story broadcast again.

Please note this is a 59 minute video, so it is massive (112MB).

www.classicalrelatedperformances.net/nicolab/winningstory130506.wmv

I was thoroughly impressed with Nicola's demeanour throughout the entire programme. I found it very moving.

Mind you, I also found myself disturbed at the snobbery of those who think Nicola and other performers are not classical enough. Unbelievable, and I think the people who support such young talents should really band together and support these artists to the hilt.

These classical purist snobs make me sick.

Nicola, if you ever read this, you are a great young lady, and you have my full support.

Gerrit

PS This broadcast started on BBC 2 at virtually the same time as the penalty shootout in the FA soccer cup on BBC 1. I did think that it was more important than this soccer lottery ...

[roger]

I am in total agreement with everything you said, Gerrit. So much so that I have just booked to see her at Hampton Court next month. I did see her in concert last year but, knowing a little more about her now, will somehow make the experience more meaningful. I will also be buying her new album within days.

I wish Nicola every success.

Roger

PS. What penalty shoot-out? J/K

[portia]

Hmm, they conveniently left out the part where Nicola goes to Eurovision and doesn't even make it to the finals.

While I think that it's ridiculous that critics think Nicola is not a classical player, I agree with critics who say she should take a break. She's been going full steam and from what I've read, she hasn't had enough time when she's rested enough to practice, or to have lessons and solely develop herself as a player. I don't see why Nicola needs to go headlong into this recording business so quickly.

If any one is having trouble downloading this file, I enthusiastically recommend software that Raymond recommended: www.flashget.com

[roger]

portia said:

...she hasn't had enough time when she's rested enough to practice, or to have lessons and solely develop herself as a player. I don't see why Nicola needs to go headlong into this recording business so quickly.

Hi Portia,

That may be true on the odd occasion but, if you read the two articles that I posted HERE this morning, you will find it isn't often the case. She has stated (several times to my knowledge) that she reckons to practice for "six hours a day" and, when she is based in the London area (which seems to be for much of the time when she isn't touring), she actually LIVES with her music teacher. I think that indicates her dedication to her art that goes way beyond going "headlong into the recording business so quickly". This is only her second album, after all.

Roger

[portia]

But compared to many of her contemporaries, Nicola has a lot less time to practice. And a lot less concentrated time for solace about her music.

[Andrew]

Hi Gerrit,

Many thanks for posting up the video file for Nicola Benedetti's programme!

You are a true gentleman and a scholar! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Regards,

Andrew