YOUNG FIFE musicians were given some expert advice from violinist Nicola Benedetti as they prepared for their Usher Hall debut.

Miss Benedetti (18), who shot to fame after becoming BBC’s Young Musician of the Year in 2004, visited Beath High School in Cowdenbeath and met pupils preparing to premiere their own music.

Pupils at Beath and Lochgelly high schools have been composing music with the help of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

They performed their composition, which was inspired by Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall last night before Miss Benedetti’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s famous violin concerto at a sell-out concert.

A former pupil of the Yehudi Menuhin School, Miss Benedetti has given many recital and orchestral performances throughout the UK and abroad to great critical acclaim.

Beath rector Alister Hendrie said, “This is a school with a strong musical tradition, as Lochgelly High School has as well. Having such a role model, a young musician who has achieved considerable fame in the classical field, visiting the school is a fantastic opportunity.”

RSNO director of education Ellen Thomson said, “The students involved in this project have been letting their imagination run wild.

“The piece they have composed incorporates elements of the Hebrides Overture, Gaelic Psalm and jigs and reels to give it that lively Scottish feel.

“We are delighted that one of Scotland’s finest musicians is taking the time to see the students and they in turn will watch Nicola Benedetti perform with the RSNO.”