The Benedetti Sessions return to Cardiff

Cardiff Sessions: 13 – 15 November 2026

Venue: Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

The Benedetti Foundation is delighted to be bringing the Benedetti Sessions to Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millennium Centre this Autumn. The Cardiff Sessions will take place from 13 – 15 November.

The Cardiff Sessions will have workshops for school age string players of all ages and levels, and a workshop will run side-by-side for string teachers:

-               Introductory String Orchestra (open strings – Grade 1*) – Sunday 15 November

-               Beginner String Players (Grade 1 – 3*) – Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 November

-               Intermediate String Players (Grade 4 – 6*) – Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 November

-               Advanced String Players (Grade 7+*) – Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 November

-               Instrumental Teachers (a professional development weekend) – Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 November

-               Primary School Classes – Friday 13 November 

*Approximate playing level – no grades need to have been taken

The Benedetti Foundation warmly welcomes and encourages all children, young people and teachers to join in the sessions. Registration is now open and closes on Friday 2 October, spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Cardiff Sessions will be led by internationally acclaimed violinist, Nicola Benedetti, and the Foundation’s team of inspiring tutors. During the sessions, participants explore playing with expression, storytelling, sound production, freedom, improvisation, physical and mental wellbeing and understanding the context of the music, as well as delving into specific technical challenges. Young musicians will be encouraged to embrace opposites, to focus and to relax, to be serious and to have fun, working towards a common goal.

As part of the weekend, The Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras will come together as a mass ensemble to work on an arrangement of Shostakovich’s Jazz Suite No.1 for three string orchestras. Participants will also work on one piece in individual orchestras and will receive music and tutorial videos in advance to help prepare. The orchestras will also take part in creative workshops throughout the day. 

There is a professional development weekend available to string teachers from across Wales, offering the opportunity to forge new relationships with those in similar positions, to inspire, motivate, learn and develop with some of the best educators and teachers around.

On Friday 13 November, the Foundation will work with local primary schools from across Cardiff. This inspiring and engaging schools' workshop will be led by presenter Lucy Drever and percussionist Calum Huggan and will introduce pupils to the fundamentals of making music covering the basics of pulse, rhythm, pitch and harmony. The workshops are free for schools to attend.

Paul Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of The Benedetti Foundation commented, “We’re delighted to be bringing the Benedetti Sessions back to Cardiff and welcome young musicians from across the region to an exciting programme of music-making. Participants of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to learn from outstanding tutors and professional musicians in a supportive and collaborative environment. At the Benedetti Foundation, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music. We hope the Cardiff Sessions will inspire participants to develop their confidence, build new connections and create lasting musical memories that will stay with them long after the weekend.”

The Benedetti Cardiff Sessions are generously supported by The Darkley Trust.

How to get involved

-        Visit www.benedettifoundation.org/benedetti-sessions for more information.

-        Registration closes on Friday 2 October 2026.

-        Registration fee is £17.50 for the Introductory Orchestra and £35 for Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Orchestras and instrumental teachers. Full financial support, including travel bursaries are available. No one will be prevented from attending due to financial circumstances.

-        The Benedetti Foundation relies solely on donations to carry out its work and we are very grateful to anyone who is in a position to make an additional donation towards the cost of the workshops.

-        Join in on social media using the hashtag #benedettisessions.

Images

-        Images from previous Benedetti Sessions can be downloaded here

For further press information please contact:

Rebecca Driver Media Relations

Tel: 07946 130905| Email: rhiannon@rdmr.co.uk | www.rdmr.co.uk