“Music, when created, played and listened to with integrity, allows us to strip away all that separates us and urges us to see and feel what unites us. The National Centre for Music presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to enrich the cultural life of Scotland and to serve as a beacon of true 21st century music education for the world to see.

Thanks to the generosity and vision of Carol Colburn Grigor and Dunard Fund, we have the means, as well as the collective will and dedication from all walks of Scottish life, to realise a revolutionary vision. We are entering a rare and beautiful moment in Scotland’s history, where a phenomenal combination of individuals and organisations are tirelessly working together to achieve the highest possible inclusivity and excellence in music, all equally committed to enriching our national story and legacy.

The Royal Philharmonic Society have announced shortlists across 11 categories in the annual RPS Awards, each decided by independent panels. Nicola is nominated alongside prominent string finalists including cellist Abel Selaocoe, in the running for the instrumentalist award category. Mark Simpson’s Violin Concerto is in contention for the large-scale composition award, which was composed and premiered by Nicola and the London Symphony Orchestra earlier this year.

New this year, the Inspiration Award will celebrate non-professional ensembles who have kept communities connected through the pandemic.