Nigel Kennedy in Recital - Australian Tour January 2019
Bach, Kennedy, Gershwin
Featuring Kennedy’s “The Magician of Lublin”
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.
“Rip–roaring and exquisitely tender” 5 stars, The Guardian, UK .
Event Details
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
8.00pm Monday 21 January
Bookings: 1300 182 183 or artscentremelbourne.com.au
Qpac, Concert Hall
8.00pm Wednesday, 23 January
Bookings: 136 246 qpac.com.au
Llewellyn Hall, ANU Canberra
8.00pm Friday 25 January
Ticketek: 1300 795 012 premier.ticketek.com.au
Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
8.00pm Sunday 27 January
Bookings: 02 9250 7777 sydneyoperahouse.com
Adelaide Festival Centre, Festival Theatre
8.00pm Tuesday 29 January
Bookings: 131 246 adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
Perth Concert Hall
8.00pm Friday 1 February
Bookings: 08 9231 9999 perthconcerthall.com.au
NOTE: The RRP listed is for a double pass. Single tickets may not be taken up for this event
We have been offered THREE double passes to each capital city of the tour.
These passes will be made available only to new gold members who have not been gold members with us previously.
Feedback/Comments
Classical was good, but modern was a little hard to handle.
Nigel at his ultimate best. Danny Boy had me in tears.
Music: I had only seen Nigel Kennedy before on television performing mainstream classical pieces, and so was not used to the improvisations of familiar pieces. I was looking forward to hearing Gershwin and only recognised parts of it. Performance: it would have been better, if he had introduced the pieces before they were played. NK and the others had great musical ability. Value: great seats for the cost, as was not willing to pay the original cost price.
Wow this was amazing
So pleased I went
Really engaged the audience
He was very generous with his performace
I was happy to travel from Sydney to Canberra and had a fabulous night. His chilled out manner and casual dress sense with fluro sandshoes made me wonder if I was in the right place at first, but I recognised his face. However once he started to play the violin and piano I was mesmerised. He and the band were fabulous and highly recommended. I enjoyed his interaction with the audience. Maybe more traditional music that I would recognise would be more entertaining. I toe tapped throughout the whole concert and would recommend him. Well done Its On The House. Our seats were towards the back - it didn't affect the acoustics of the room.
Was good. Could be better
An original and versatile performance, with a combination of classical and jazz. The original Kennedy piece was outstanding. Great seats, thank you On The House!
An awesome night from Nigel Kennedy, along with his band, repertoire and informal stage presence.
Feel so fortunate to hear this legendary musician. Amazing evening. Thank you for the opportunity. I am telling people about this outstanding event. Thank you!!
Nigel is a master at entertaining! His skill on the piano and the violin was mesmerising and his additional 4 member band were perfect as soloists and also accompanists.
Thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful concert. We had excellent seats towards the front and Nigel Kennedy and his musicians played beautifully. Nigel also interacted well with the audience, incorporating humour too.
The music is a cut above from this football jersey wearing maestro fist pumping his audience.
Great seats. Nigel Kennedy combines classical and jazz music brilliantly in this 3 hr show.
I enjoyed his Bach playing but there was much too much focus on Kennedy himself as he attempted to be a comedian and generally be cool by fist bumping with his band members. Much of the music was forgettable apart from the Bach.
REally enjoyed this intimate concert in Canberra and Nigel's interaction with the audience. Plus the other members of his bands were all excellent musicians.