Nigel Kennedy, born on December 28, 1956, in Brighton, England, is a virtuoso violinist whose unconventional style and personality have stamped a mark of individuality in the classical music world. Raised in a musical family—his grandfather was a principal cellist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra—Kennedy was a prodigy who became one of the youngest students to attend the Yehudi Menuhin School of Music, before later advancing his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City. His professional career soared after his recording of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" with the English Chamber Orchestra in 1989 became one of the best-selling classical albums of all time.

Kennedy's repertoire and discography span a wide range of genres and composers, reflecting his versatility and eagerness to explore beyond conventional boundaries. His body of work includes traditional classics as well as modern interpretations and compositions, such as his own "Kennedy: The Four Elements." While he predominantly focuses on classical and Baroque pieces, as seen in his recent release "Vivaldi: The New Four Seasons," Kennedy is also known for his foray into jazz and rock, collaborating with artists from these genres. Notable releases like "Kennedy Meets Gershwin" blend his classical prowess with his passion for other music forms. Despite sometimes polarizing opinions for his flamboyant style and outspokenness, Kennedy’s masterful musicianship and dedication to his craft earn him a place among the most distinguished violinists of his generation.

Genres

Bow Pop

Violin

Related Artists

Itzhak Perlman

Joshua Bell

Hilary Hahn

Anne-Sophie Mutter

David Garrett

Pinchas Zukerman

Gidon Kremer

Lindsey Stirling

Viktoria Mullova

Nicola Piovani

Tasmin Little

Yehudi Menuhin

Latest Release

Uncensored

Nigel Kennedy

Album - 26 Tracks - Released November 25, 2021