Nigel Kennedy Announces Return To Australia

Virtuoso violinist and living legend, Nigel Kennedy, returns to Australia this January to perform works of his much loved Johann Sebastian Bach and George Gershwin, including the immortal "Summertime" "Porgy and Bess' and "Rhapsody in Blue" as well as Kennedy's own composition "The Magician of Lublin."

Discovered by the great Yehudi Menuhin, Nigel Kennedy is one of the top violinists of his generation and the best-selling violinist in the history of music; his recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons alone sold over three million copies. For the last 30 years, Kennedy remains a one-of-a-kind performer. The artist has covered diverse musicians, ranging from classic composers to Jimi Hendrix, has collaborated with music legends (Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Robert Plant and The Who), and has performed together with the world's leading orchestras. Kennedy is adored by his fans for his original body of work, his political views and his live, often unconventional and eccentric appearances.

Nigel Kennedy in Recital will demonstrate his tour de force, establishing a dialogue between Bach (Kennedy has often performed his pieces for violin) and Gershwin, a contemporary jazz classic. Kennedy will perform his own composition "The Magician of Lublin" which is inspired by the book of the same title by Isaac B Singer, who so skilfully evoked life in the shtetls of old Poland. He describes a community which is lost forever. Nigel's music is equally vibrant and colourful. There are moments of pure joy and deep reflection. The sounds travel from classical origins to Jewish melodies and jazz.

Having brought a fresh perspective to classical music by his merging of the traditional with the contemporary, Kennedy is now bringing his trademark effervescent live performance back to Australia. Kennedy will be joined on stage by his hand-picked band including much-acclaimed American guitarist Howard Alden.

"I love Australia, the weather, the people, the media and most importantly the audiences, the Australian audiences are most generous. With over 30 relatives living in different parts of 'down under', it works so wonderfully when I come back and I get to catch up with many friends. I am looking forward to this visit with great excitement."

Nigel Kennedy in Recital - Bach, Kennedy, Gershwin is presented by Andrew Kay Associates and BBC Studios.

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