Nicola Benedetti, CBE, the Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, has been honoured with the Edinburgh Award at a civic reception held at the City Chambers.
In a now time honoured tradition Ms Benedetti’s handprints are preserved in stone in the quad at the City Chambers. She received an engraved Loving Cup from the Rt Hon Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and the Edinburgh Makar, Hannah Lavery recited a poem she had written in Ms Benedetti’s honour.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Edinburgh Award Panel, Robert Aldridge said: “I was delighted to present Nicola Benedetti with the Edinburgh Award yesterday evening. Nicola’s handprints are now immortalised in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle, and she deservedly follows in the footsteps of some of the finest individuals associated with our great city.
“From heading up one of the world’s most important cultural celebrations in the Edinburgh International Festival, to being a globally renowned musician in her own right, she has represented the Capital with pride, dedication, and skill. Nicola is also one of the youngest ever recipients of the Edinburgh Award which shows the measure and scale of her talent and achievements.
“I’d also highlight the fantastic work of the Benedetti Foundation, based in the city, which focusses on musical education, participation, and experiences. Since its establishment in 2019 it has reached over 50,000 participants of all ages from 103 countries,
“I’d like to congratulate Nicola on behalf of the city, and I’m sure she will continue to do great things in the future, both here in Edinburgh and beyond.”
Festival Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, and Recipient of the Edinburgh Award 2023, Nicola Benedetti CBE said: “Each gift in our life, such as the role of Festival Director or a recognition such as this award, serves as a propeller – and an opportunity for choice.
“Each gift holds the potential for responsibility to others, that you choose to serve and grasp, or not. Each gift is a reminder of our place in a lineage of contributors to bettering life for ourselves and for others; a reminder of the collective potential we have when we all consider – in our own unique way – our civic and moral duty.”
Nominations for the Edinburgh Award are invited annually from Edinburgh citizens and the awarding decision is taken by a judging panel chaired by the Lord Provost, with representatives from all political groups on the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
First launched in 2007, the Award is a way for Edinburgh residents to pay a lasting tribute to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Capital through their achievements.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
