Violinist Nigel Kennedy Returns to Australia on Tour
World famous classical, jazz and rock violinist Nigel Kennedy is returning to Australia for three shows in April. One World Entertainment has announced that the star of the Last Night of the Proms will perform for one night only in each city: Melbourne, Sydney & Perth.
For over twenty-five years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin virtuosos and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. His virtuoso technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire.
He is the best-selling violinist of all time.
A child prodigy, as a 10 year old Nigel would pick out Fats Waller tunes on the piano after hearing his stepfather's jazz records. He went on to become Yehudi Menuhin's most famous protégé, studying first at the Menuhin School before moving to the Julliard School of Music in New York to study under celebrated teacher, Dorothy DeLay.
It was Yehudi Menuhin who encouraged Kennedy's interest in jazz and introduced him to the renowned jazz violinist Stephane Grapelli, with whom he would later make his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 17 ('I am lucky to have had these two incredible mentors in my life').
When he sets foot onstage, Nigel Kennedy raises eyebrows. In his oversize shoes and "punk" attire, Kennedy looks more the waif than the classical violin virtuoso. But when he lifts his bow, it is Kennedy's technical finesse that leaves audiences stunned, dispelling any suspicion that he is anything but a musician of the highest calibre.
Nigel Kennedy presents a typically maverick musical programme celebrating the music of, amongst others, Bach (including his stunning interpretation of solo Bach), Fats Waller, his own compositions (including Melody in the Wind, which he performed at the Last Night of the Proms) and much more.
The concert begins with Bach sonatas and partitas for solo violin ('Bach is the music I am closest to. I play it every day. It's part of me and cannot understand technical master as something which justifies itself in its own right'), after which he is joined by his musicians (including acoustic guitarist, percussion and double bass) to perform his own music, Kennedy's own arrangements of Fats Waller, Monti Czardas and much more.
Nigel Kennedy has a special relationship with Australia ('I only have two relatives in the UK - the rest are in Australia!). He has close to 30 relatives living here, whom he visits when he tours here. A hugely entertaining and enjoyable evening where skill and passion come together for an electrifying evening of music.
Nigel Kennedy national tour dates:
Melbourne- Saturday, 26 April- Hamer Hall
Ticketmaster 136 100 www.ticketmaster.com.au
MELBOURNE TICKETS ARE ON SALE TUESDAY 11th MARCH 9AM
Sydney- Sunday, 27 April- Sydney Opera House - Concert Hall
www.sydneyoperahouse.com 02 9250 7777
Ticketmaster 136 100 www.ticketmaster.com.au
SYDNEY TICKETS ARE ON SALE MONDAY 10TH MARCH 9AM
Perth- Tuesday, 29 April- Perth Concert Hall
www.ticketek.com.au 132 849
PERTH TICKETS ARE ON SALE FRIDAY 7TH MARCH 9AM
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