Nigel Kennedy, a celebrated English virtuoso violinist and accomplished violist, made his entrance into the world on December 28, 1956.
Kennedy's family boasts a storied musical legacy, with his grandfather Lauri Kennedy holding the esteemed position of principal cellist within the renowned BBC Symphony Orchestra, while his grandmother Dorothy Kennedy showcased her remarkable pianistic talents. This artistic lineage continued with the emergence of their son, John Kennedy, a gifted cellist who had the privilege of performing alongside the prestigious Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the illustrious Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Nigel Kennedy's early life was marked by a significant event, as his parents' divorce occurred when he was still a young child. This led to his father, John Kennedy, returning to his native Australia, leaving Nigel to be raised by his mother in the seaside town of Brighton, located in the southeastern county of East Sussex, England.
Despite the challenges that often accompany parental separation, Nigel's mother ensured that her son received a nurturing environment that allowed him to flourish. As a testament to his exceptional talent, Nigel began playing the piano at the remarkably young age of 10, demonstrating a natural affinity for music that would ultimately shape his future.
As his skills continued to develop, Nigel was accepted into the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin School of Music at the tender age of 7, where he began studying under the guidance of the renowned violinist and conductor, Yehudi Menuhin. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between Nigel and the Menuhin School, which would provide him with a solid foundation in music theory and technique.
Later in his educational journey, Nigel would continue his studies at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he had the privilege of learning from the esteemed violinist and pedagogue, Dorothy DeLay. Her tutelage would further refine Nigel's craft, preparing him for a successful career as a world-class violinist.
Kennedy's illustrious music career has been marked by numerous collaborations with renowned musicians, with one particularly notable partnership being his time spent performing alongside the celebrated jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli.
At the tender age of 16, Kennedy had the remarkable opportunity to share the stage with Grappelli at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, an experience that undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his future as a musician.
In 1984, Kennedy made his recording debut with a performance of Elgar's Violin Concerto, a milestone that marked the beginning of a long and distinguished career in the recording studio.
Since then, Kennedy has recorded numerous albums, including a highly acclaimed and best-selling recording of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, a work that has been praised for its technical precision and emotional depth.
As the 1990s unfolded, Kennedy made a pivotal decision to bring his illustrious classical music career to a close, paving the way for a new chapter in his artistic journey. He embarked on an exciting exploration of diverse genres, venturing into the realms of jazz and rock music.
Throughout this period, Kennedy collaborated with an impressive array of musicians, including the talented Stephen Duffy and the legendary Robert Plant. His musical endeavors also led to appearances on various tribute albums, with a notable highlight being a tribute to the iconic Jimi Hendrix.
Kennedy, a renowned musician, has garnered an impressive array of accolades for his invaluable contributions to the world of music, with a notable highlight being the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to British Music award presented at the esteemed BRIT Awards.
In addition to this distinguished honor, Kennedy has also been recognized as the Male Artist of the Year, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
Furthermore, Kennedy has shared his remarkable story with the world through the publication of his autobiography, Always Playing, offering readers a glimpse into his inspiring journey.
Moreover, his exceptional improvisational skills on the violin have been widely acknowledged, setting him apart as a master of his craft.
