Nicola Benedetti is the new president of the European String Teachers Association’s (ESTA) UK branch. The violinist officially took up the role on 21 June, replacing David Le Page.
A former BBC Young Musician of the Year winner, Benedetti made her debut with Orchestre de Paris during the 2017-18 season, during which she also appeared as a soloist with Philadelphia Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony, Warsaw Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony and Baltimore Symphony.
Said Benedetti: “I am delighted to become the next ESTA UK president and to continue the excellent work that David has undertaken during his tenure. Exceptional teaching from dedicated music teachers takes place all over the UK and I believe it is our responsibility to support them. ESTA is brilliant at bringing teachers together to discuss best practices and to share ideas.”
Her first ESTA engagement is on 4 July in Leeds, where she will perform alongside Le Page and take part in a Q&A. Teachers interested in attending can sign up online.
“The Leeds event on 4 July will be a very good platform for the transfer of the presidency.” added ESTA UK CEO Philip Aird. “Many teachers and pupils will be present, and David Le Page will be there to officially hand over the role. The Leeds branch of ESTA has for many years been one of our most active and successful regional branches, so we are delighted that they will be the people to host this important next step in the development of our very active and forward looking organisation.”
Benedetti will hold the role for either three or four years.