Violinist Nicola Benedetti, one of Britain's most prodigiously gifted musicians and one of the brightest young stars in the classical world, said she was "humbled" to be awarded an MBE.
She has released a series of acclaimed recordings since landing a record deal at the age of 17, as well as thrilling audiences with her work as a soloist and as part of a chamber trio.
The 25-year-old said: "I am deeply honoured to receive an MBE. This has come as a real surprise to me and I am humbled.
"I hope this honour can help me continue to draw attention to the importance of classical music and the arts in British society."
Benedetti, whose father is Italian and mother Scottish, began learning her instrument at the age of four and had completed all eight musical grades by the age of nine.
The following year she went to study at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey and by the age of 11 had performed as a soloist at London's Wigmore Hall.
By her early teens she had notched up performances with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the City of London Sinfonia and triumphed in a TV contest for outstanding prodigies. Then, aged 16, she won the BBC Young Musician Of The Year title.
In her repertoire she has often liked to concentrate on less celebrated works and has performed new commissions by figures such as John Tavener.
Benedetti, who plays a 295-year-old Stradivarius, has worked on a number of projects aimed at encouraging young people to take an interest in music.
