Nicola Benedetti receives CBE at Buckingham Palace

Nicola Benedetti with her CBE (Photo credit: Jonathan Brady)

Today on March 7, 2019, Nicola Benedetti received her CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. She was appointed the 2019 Honor for her services to music in the United Kingdom.

Nicola called the award an “enormous honor.” She continued:

“This meaningful public recognition encourages me to deepen my commitment to music, to playing and to providing enrichment, inspiration and variation to the education system that serves communities throughout the United Kingdom.

I am more resolved than ever to reinforce my advocacy for arts and culture, and to challenge what it means to teach music well. We often hear about the unintended benefits of studying music. We are also told that an education inclusive of the arts develops character.

But, let’s also consider the simple and profound beauty of just seeing and hearing people playing and singing together, and offering something personal to an audience full of strangers. I have, so many times, witnessed the fulfillment, heightened emotion and sense of community this collective action produces.

It shakes us out of the routine and connects us with a higher purpose. It is a truly beautiful, wondrous thing, worthy of our attention and our investment. I only hope to prove my worthiness through my continued dedication.“

Congratulations Nicola!

Nicola Benedetti with her CBE (Photo credit: Jonathan Brady)Today on March 7, 2019, Nicola Benedetti received her CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. She was appointed the 2019 Honor for her services to music in the United Kingdom.Nicola called the award an “enormous honor.” She continued:“This meaningful public recognition encourages me to deepen my commitment to music, to playing and to providing enrichment, inspiration and variation to the education system that serves communities throughout the United Kingdom.I am more resolved than ever to reinforce my advocacy for arts and culture, and to challenge what it means to teach music well. We often hear about the unintended benefits of studying music. We are also told that an education inclusive of the arts develops character.But, let’s also consider the simple and profound beauty of just seeing and hearing people playing and singing together, and offering something personal to an audience full of strangers. I have, so many times, witnessed the fulfillment, heightened emotion and sense of community this collective action produces.It shakes us out of the routine and connects us with a higher purpose. It is a truly beautiful, wondrous thing, worthy of our attention and our investment. I only hope to prove my worthiness through my continued dedication.“Congratulations Nicola!Prince Charles and Nicola Benedetti