Nigel Kennedy

Nigel Kennedy

Nigel Kennedy is a British violinist and violist from Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom. Born in 1956, he studies at the Yehudi Menuhin School under Yehudi Menuhin and later at the Juilliard School under Dorothy DeLay.

Classical performance and recording

He performs and records many of the major violin concertos, and he is known for helping to bring classical music to a wider audience, especially younger listeners. His work in classical music includes a focus on the immediate impact of live performance, and he often records complete works or movements in a single take to keep that quality in his recordings.

Improvisation and cross-genre work

Kennedy also introduces improvisation into his performances. This includes a Jimi Hendrix-inspired cadenza in Ludwig van Beethoven’s violin concerto, as well as jazz and fusion recordings. His listed genres include classical, and he is associated with the Nigel Kennedy Quintet.

Other interests

Away from music, Kennedy supports Aston Villa and Cracovia. He also appears on Cracovia’s 100th anniversary in club replica kit.