YOUNG Gloucestershire string players are invited to take part in an inspiring weekend workshop, led by star violinist Nicola Benedetti, thanks to Cheltenham Music Festival.

The Benedetti Sessions are open to any keen young musicians aged 8-18, who play a string instrument to a level of Grade 2 or above.

The weekend, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6, comprises rehearsals and master classes and culminates in a performance at the prestigious Cheltenham Music Festival on the Sunday afternoon.

The Benedetti Sessions are a real coup for Gloucestershire as The Sessions have so far only taken place in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall and at London’s Royal Albert Hall

Philippa Claridge, Education Manager at Cheltenham Festival, said: “This is a unique opportunity for Gloucestershire’s young musicians to work alongside, and learn from, one of the world’s best-known professional musicians.”

Nicola Benedetti's ability to captivate audiences with her innate musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with her wide appeal as a high profile advocate for classical music, has made her one of the most influential classical artists of today.

Nicola is also fiercely committed to music education and to developing young talent, and she created The Benedetti Sessions in response to this passion.

Applications can be made using this form: https://cheltenhamfestivals.wufoo.eu/forms/the-nicola-benedetti-sessions/

Places cost £20, although cost is not prohibitive as there is a small fund to provide a limited number of bursaries (which can be requested on the application form).

Gloucester Academy of Music (GAM), Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra, and Gloucestershire Music are also supporting this project.