Scottish Chamber Orchestra, violinist Nicola Benedetti to perform at Wharton Center

International orchestras touring in the United States usually try to show off their national roots with the music and soloists they present. Which is why you might be surprised the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s concert at Wharton Center on Tuesday features violin soloist Nicola Benedetti, certainly not a Scottish name.

You would be fooled, however.

Benedetti has Italian parents, but she was born in West Kilbridge, North Ayrshire, Scotland. And she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2019. A certified Scot, it would appear.

Although she is known more in Europe than the U.S., Benedetti won a Grammy in 2020 for a recording of the “Violin Concerto in D and Fiddle Dance Suite,” which American jazz great Wynton Marsalis wrote for her.

She met Marsalis at the Lincoln Center when she was performing there at age 17.

“He took an interest in my musical journey and became my mentor for many years," Benedetti said in an audio message in response to emailed interview questions. "I heard a performance of his “Swing Symphony,” a piece written for jazz band and orchestra and asked if he would like to write a violin concerto for me.”

Marsalis was enthusiastic about the idea, she said. "Wynton had a long love for the violin and was excited to take on the challenge."

Although both the violinist and composer were busy touring, Marsalis sent Benedetti tapes and early musical ideas to see if they would work on the violin.

“Working with Wynton changed me in many ways," she said. "I was learning all the time. Not so much because he is a jazz musician, but because of the musical and cultural dialogue we engaged in. As I played his concerto in concerts, I gained a huge amount of freedom and musical confidence.”

Although Benedetti is celebrated around the world as a charismatic soloist, she sees her life in a broader way.

"We all have to find our place in the world and find out what our strengths and abilities are to make an impact on the world," she said. "It’s a drive for me. I’m not just dedicated to the violin and music.”

In addition to her performances, Benedetti is known as an educator, festival director of the Edinburgh International Festival and holds key positions with several youth orchestras.

IF YOU GO

What: Scottish Chamber Orchestra with Violinist Nicola Benedetti.

When: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 18

Where: Wharton Center, Great Hall

Musical works: Mendelssohn Symphony No 3 “Scottish”; Anna Clyne “Stride”; Bruch, “Violin Concerto No 1”

Tickets: From $33 are available from whartoncenter.com, 517 432 2000

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Scottish Chamber Orchestra, featured Italian violinist play at Wharton