Violinists Invited to Apply for Rachel Podger Online Masterclass

By Laurie Niles: The Benedetti Foundation - Nicola Benedetti's educational foundation - is offering the chance for violinists to apply to play in an online masterclass, to be given by Rachel Podger as part of its Baroque Virtual Sessions, Oct. 2-16. Podger will give two master classes, both on Oct. 16. The opportunity is open to school age string players, student, recent graduates and adult non-professional players. Violinists can apply by completing the online application form (click here) and submitting a video of themselves playing. The deadline for applying is 5 p.m. GMT, Tuesday, October 3. British violinist Rachel Podger is a leading specialist in Baroque period performance, who recently was named Principal Guest Director of the Toronto-based Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. She is also the founder and Artistic Director of Brecon Baroque Festival and her ensemble Brecon Baroque. "I am delighted to join The Benedetti Foundation’s Baroque Virtual Sessions and to give two masterclasses online," Podger said. "I love working with musicians of all ages – helping them to get inside the music, to understand what is happening and make progress with their playing. Baroque music is so joyous and uplifting and I can’t wait to delve deeper and work together. It is going to be so much fun." The Benedetti Foundation's Baroque Virtual Sessions will take place Oct. 2-16, led by a team of internationally acclaimed specialists including three musicians from the period-performance ensemble Il Pomo D’oro: violinists Zelfira Valova and Edson Scheid and percussionist Adrian Bending. Other specialists include keyboardist Steven Devine, lutenists Thomas Dunford and Elizabeth Kenny, violist Clifton Harrison, violinists Margaret Faultless and Alina Ibragimova, and cellist David Watkin. The Virtual Sessions are open to participants of all ages and stages. Register for the sessions on this page. As part of the Baroque Virtual Sessions, Nicola Benedetti, The Benedetti Foundation and global music agency Askonas Holt are also offering the opportunity for an early-career baroque violinist to win a place with the Benedetti Baroque Orchestra as a member of the orchestra on its inaugural tour of Asia in 2024. Click here for more information about that.You might also like:

• Violinist.com Interview with Rachel Podger
• Violinist Rachel Podger Appointed Principal Guest Director of Tafelmusik
• Nicola Benedetti Boosts Music Education with Benedetti Foundation Sessions

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