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We are in a Scottish Mood - because 7^th July, 2014, marks the launch of cellist Nicola Benedetti's new album, entitled: 'Homecoming. A Scottish Fantasy'.

Even though she has an Italian name - her father is indeed Italian, and her mother Scottish - Nicola Benedetti is a self-proclaimed Scotswoman; she celebrates her homeland with this album which appears in a special context: 2014 is Scotland Year -the Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014. Scotland is hosting the 20^th Commonwealth Games, and several other events, including cultural ones.

So, let us honour Scotland by listening to this 100% Scottish album that comprises not only traditional Scottish songs, but also established works from the classical repertoire dedicated to Scotland, such as Max Bruch's 'Scottish Fantasy'.

To mark the 100% Scottish performance: the cellist Nicola Benedetti, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and conductor Rory Macdonald - on an album submitted in the 'Vote the best album of 2014' campaign, where I invite you to grade the albums entered the competition.

We are presented with a unique album, which I am sure will enjoy success, much like the majority of records bearing the name Nicola Benedetti, an incredible talent that at only 26 prides herself with the achievement of being the most frequently nominated artist in history at the Classic BRIT Awards. In fact, she was named Classic BRIT Female Artist of the Year in 2012 and 2013. Nicola Benedetti's previous album - The Silver Violin - was one of the best sold albums of classical music in the United Kingdom, in 2013.

And let us not forget that we had the chance to hear Nicola Benedetti performing at the 'George Enescu' International Festival in 2011 - it was her first collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra. In just 3 years, Nicola Benedetti has achieved the status of superstar, cultivating a field: she plays classical music, but a repertoire that is approachable by a wider audience - for example, The Silver Violin contains not only classical themes from well-known movies, but also concerts from the 20^th century; and A Scottish Fantasy'uses the same recipe for success, combining traditional Scottish songs with Max Bruch's Scottish Fantasy.

Listening to this album, I have come to realise once again why Nicola Benedetti has enjoyed so much success - even though she plays classical music. We have to acknowledge that her success is comparable to that of cellist Nigel Kennedy in the United Kingdom - she is the first performer of classical music that entered the sales tops of all musical genres, including popular, after Nigel Kennedy. And if Nigel Kennedy was betting on his visual eccentricity, so to say, I think that Nicola Benedetti does not have to play this game, even though she is certainly a beautiful girl.

After all, there are plenty of beautiful girls in show business, but very few of them can play the violin as well - because Nicola Benedetti is a performer who, beyond the technicality of her musical discourse, counts on sentiment and on communication with the audience. And her game is won: the audience loves this Scotswoman, who understands so well, the music of Max Bruch's 'Scottish Fantasy Opus 46'.