SOUGHT-AFTER the world over, one of Britain’s most innovative and creative young violinists Nicola Benedetti is adding Ipswich Corn Exchange to the long list of venues she’s played in her short, stellar career.

Since winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition in 2004 aged just 16, she has gone on to win the Classical BRIT Award for Young British Classic Performer and this year made her BBC Proms Debut.

Now 23, she will be performing one of the most glorious of all works for the violin - Beethoven’s Violin Concerto - when she joins the Ipswich Orchestral Society for their gala concert tomorrow.

“It’s not a new piece for me, but it’s one I learnt many years ago but haven’t actually performed that much; so it’s wonderful to have the chance to play it as much as I can.

“I think it’s my very favourite violin concerto... I would say the second movement is the closest any music gets to heaven,” says Nicola, who clearly relishes playing intimate venues as much as the likes of the Royal Albert Hall.

He appearance comes hot on the heels of the launch of her fifth album, featuring Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, op.35 and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, op.26 - works against which all violinists must test themselves.

The programme, conducted by Adam Gatehouse, also features Sibelius’ Karelia Suite and ends with Mahler’s thrilling Symphony no. 1

Ipswich Orchestral Society’s Pat Grimwade says: “We’re thrilled she’s coming to play with us here in Ipswich and it’s very exciting for our audience. There’s been massive interest in the concert. She’s very inspiring to young musicians and an exciting young star.

“It marks Adam’s ten years with the society and we’re very lucky to have him. He runs the BBC’s New Generation Artists scheme which is very prestigious and puts him in contact with a high calibre of musicians who enjoy coming to Ipswich to play with us.”

There are still a few tickets left for the concert, which starts at 7.30pm; but they’re selling fast.