Nigel Kennedy at the Sydney Opera House

Nigel Kennedy, the world’s most famous classical, jazz and rock violinist will perform Vivaldi: The New Four Seasons + Dedications in Australia this summer at the Sydney Opera House.

Some 26 years after releasing his breakthrough recording of Vivaldi’s The New Four Seasons, which sold over three million copies (the best-selling classical record ever), Nigel Kennedy has the Italian composer in his sights again. Presenting an exciting new version of his iconic masterpiece, Kennedy turns back the clock but adds a typical and traditional twist as he performs an acoustic version of his groundbreaking Four Seasons. With The New Four Seasons, Nigel will take audiences on a journey through the seasons with extraordinary flair, delivering new interpretations of the music whilst staying true to the essence of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

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 classical violinist of all time. During his career, Nigel Kennedy has undertaken countless international tours, performing with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors throughout Europe, North America, Central and South America, South East Asia and Australia.

Kennedy, who has performed in Australia many times and visited privately, says, “I love Australia, the weather, the people, the media and most importantly the audiences. The Australian audiences are most generous. Having over 30 relatives living in different parts of ‘down under’ 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.” In Dedications, the sequence of his own compositions that will make up half of the performance, Kennedy will pay tribute to four musical heroes: Jaroslaw Smietana, Stephane Grappelli, Isaac Stern and Mark O’Connor. Nigel will be accompanied by a 14-strong on stage ensemble.

In announcing the national tour, which also takes in performances at the Arts Centre, Melbourne and Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane, producer Andrew Kay says, “I am delighted to be bringing Nigel Kennedy back. He will return with a new take on Vivaldi’s masterpiece The Four Seasons. A fiery performer, he is much loved in this country. He loves being in Australia, he loves the audiences and he has family here. His talent is exciting and unique; it is a privilege to be able to bring this master musician back to Australian audiences.” This tour coincides with the launch in Australia of Kennedy’s latest album, My World (Edel Records), which follows Nigel Kennedy / Vivaldi: The New Four Seasons (Sony Classics). Nigel will be playing music from both albums on this tour.

Who: Nigel Kennedy

Where: Sydney Opera House

When: 27 & 28 January 2017

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