Nicola Benedetti’s Belfast concert to be broadcast from Ulster Hall

Grammy Award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti

Grammy Award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti has made a highly anticipated return to Belfast, marking her first solo tour in a decade with a special performance at the Ulster Hall — now set to reach audiences across the UK and Ireland through a major Sky Arts broadcast.

The concert, filmed last week at the iconic Belfast venue, will air as Nicola Benedetti & Friends on Monday, 29 December at 7.30pm on Sky Arts, with the programme also available to stream on NOW.

Captured by Newry-based Big Mountain Productions, the broadcast represents a significant cultural moment for Northern Ireland, showcasing world-class classical music talent produced locally and shared nationally.

The collaboration brings Benedetti’s artistry to television audiences while highlighting Belfast’s continued importance on the international classical music circuit.

The 90-minute programme blends virtuosic performance with intimate storytelling, as Benedetti presents a carefully curated selection of shorter works. The repertoire spans deeply romantic compositions, dazzling technical showpieces and music inspired by folk traditions, offering an accessible and emotionally rich experience for seasoned classical audiences and newcomers alike.

Throughout the performance, Benedetti shares personal reflections on her musical choices, offering insights shaped by the past decade of her artistic life. The format provides a rare window into both her creative process and her journey since her last solo tour.

Grammy Award-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti joined by friends and guests in the Ulster Hall, Belfast

Joining her on stage are an acclaimed group of musicians, including Brazilian guitarist Plinio Fernandes, accordionist Samuele Telari, cellist Maxim Calver, and other guest performers, creating a collaborative atmosphere that underscores the programme’s sense of connection and shared musical storytelling.

Reflecting on the significance of the Belfast performance, Benedetti said:

“This tour has been such a musical and personal gift for me. Each city and venue brings its history, significance and uniqueness. However, for various reasons, Belfast has seen the convergence of so many personal and professional paths.

“It is a great honour to have Sky Arts and Big Mountain Productions bring their expertise to capture this special occasion for us, which will go down as a moment to remember.”

The broadcast not only captures a standout moment in Benedetti’s tour, but also celebrates Belfast as a place where artistic, personal and professional journeys intersect — a theme that resonates throughout the performance.

Nicola Benedetti & Friends airs on Monday, 29 December at 7.30pm on Sky Arts, and will be available to stream on NOW.