When this Decca Classics CD  launched last week, Nicola Benedetti becomes the first solo British violinist since the 1990s to enter the Top 20 of the Official UK Albums Chart. She is also the first ever Scottish classical artist to enter the Top 20.

 As well as landing the No. 1 spot in the classical chart, Nicola's album is simultaneously No. 19 in the pop chart, above Ellie Goulding, Arctic Monkeys and Jack White.  It is the first time a solo British violinist has scored a top 20 album since Vanessa Mae in 1995 and Nigel Kennedy in 1989.

Remarkably, Nicola’s feat means Scottish Fantasy, a piece of classical music written in 1880 by the German romantic composer Max Bruch, now sits in the pop chart.

Nicola Benedetti says:

‘I am absolutely thrilled to have reached the top 20 with Homecoming: A Scottish Fantasy, not something a classical artist ever expects. This is a deeply personal recording – inspired by Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy the project took me deep into the heart of Scottish culture. I am hugely grateful to each and every person for buying it and I hope the music, in all its diversity, is providing some uplift and pleasure.’

Homecoming: A Scottish Fantasy is a unique combination of classical, folk and song traditions.  The recording includes some of Scotland’s best loved songs such as Loch Lomond and My Love is Like a Red Red Rose some of Scotland’s most eminent folk musicians; Phil Cunningham, Julie Fowlis and Aly Bain. The album was recorded at locations including Glasgow City Halls and Castlesound Studios in Pencaitland.

Nicola’s new album is her highest-charting yet, following her 2013 release The Silver Violin which reached No. 32 in the Official Album Chart.  This latest milestone comes 10 years since the Scottish-born musician won the BBC Young Musician of the Year at the age of 16.

This achievement adds to her MBE in 2013 (for her extensive educational and charity work), eight honorary degrees, and being named in Britain’s Top 30: The Young Female Power List (The Times, Feb 2014) alongside the likes of Adele, Emma Watson and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Get your copy at McNally Robinson Booksellers Grant Park. Just look for the Classic 107 display in the music section. You can also listen for your chance to win a $25 gift card from McNally Robinson. Just tune in to Classic 107!