Watch violinist Nicola Benedetti’s spectacular Grammys 2020 performance

27 January 2020, 15:24 | Updated: 27 January 2020, 17:36

By Helena Asprou

It was a memorable evening for the Scottish-born violinist, who also took home a Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo.

Violinist Nicola Benedetti stunned audiences at the 62nd Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony last night with an elegant solo performance.

The appearance makes Benedetti the first classical solo artist to perform at the Grammy Awards ceremony in 10 years, which is surely another milestone in the 32-year-old’s musical career.

To mark the occasion, she opted for an energetic rendition of ‘Bye Bye Breakdown’ (watch in full below), which was written by American jazz composer, Wynton Marsalis.

Nicola Benedetti wins her first Grammy Award. Picture: Getty

It was certainly a special night for the Scottish-born virtuoso, who also took home a Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo, for her stunning recording of Marsalis’ ‘Violin Concerto and Fiddle Dance Suite’.

After walking on stage to collect the prestigious accolade, Benedetti said: “I am so honoured to have won a Grammy for Best Classical Instrumental Solo and to have performed at the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony.

This recording project has been a deeply edifying experience for me and one I will always reflect on with immense gratitude.”

Nicola Benedetti: "Fiddle Dance Suite" | 2020 GRAMMYs Performance

Other stars recognised on the night included composer John Williams, who won Best Instrumental Composition (and his 25th Grammy) for his masterpiece Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite, and flute-playing sensation Lizzo, who took home the award for Pop Solo Performance following her powerful rendition of ‘Truth Hurts’.

Meanwhile, American soprano Joyce DiDonato won the prize for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album for Songplay, and Best Orchestral Performance went to the Los Angeles Philharmonic led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel, for their impressive rendition of Andrew Norman’s ‘Sustain’.

Congratulations, to all winners!