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Nigel Kennedy

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Nigel Kennedy has announced his first large-scale UK tour in over 15 years. The 'NIGEL KENNEDY VIRTUOSO' tour will begin on 2 March 2026 and finish on 29 June covering 39 dates across the UK. 

The UK’s greatest living violinist has promised an evening that reflects his love of a unified approach to all music. Kennedy will be accompanied by long-time collaborators Alec Dankworth, son of the late John Dankworth and Cleo Laine, on double bass and the great ‘cellist Peter Adams.

Kennedy’s adventurous approach and comprehensive mastery of the violin means his concerts will, as always, go straight to the heart of the British public. On the grapevine rumour has it that he is playing better than ever. 

An inspiration to the musicians of tomorrow and today

Robert Plant

Kennedy’s talent showed itself early and he won a scholarship to the Yehudi Menuhin School of Music aged just seven. At 13, Kennedy was introduced to the jazz violin legend Stephane Grappelli, sparking a lifelong involvement in the genre. 

The pair became great friends, touring theatres, folk clubs, and at the famous Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London, where Kennedy performed for the first time.  

Kennedy’s 1989 hit recording of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons made him an international star and completely transformed the classical music scene. Nigel’s inclusive and open-minded approach to all styles of music continues to this day and has won him fans all over the world. 

Kennedy combines a unique mix of repertoire with energy, dynamics and mind-blowing technical and emotional musicality, which will leave audiences spellbound. 

See Nigel Kennedy at the Festival Nigel Kennedy

  1. A composite of four images - one of guests enjoying dinner at The Nook, one a close up of a block that reads the Nook and two from Mixtape at Cheltenham Music Festival

    Life and Director's Circle Patrons Dinner

    Fri 10 Jul, 5pm
    The Nook On Five
    From £60

    The event will begin at 5pm where you’ll be greeted by the Patrons team and Co-CEO Ali Mawle, who will be sharing the Festivals’ five-year strategy.A two-course dinner will be provided, followed by a short performance from young musicians…

    Life & DC Patrons Only
    More info
  2. M22 Composer Academy Showcase

    Composer Academy Showcase

    Fri 10 Jul, 6pm
    DEYA Swamp
    £10

    A window into the future of contemporary classical music, featuring four new pieces written by a carefully-selected group of leading young composers performed live by the Carice Singers, led by George Parris.Held in DEYA’s intimate and…

    General On Sale
    More info
  3. The Unthanks

    The Unthanks

    Wed 8 Jul, 7.30pm
    Cheltenham Town Hall
    £35, £28, £22, £18, £12

    ‘The Unthanks are capable of such beauty that sometimes I can hardly bear to listen to them’ said Martin Freeman of the band who ‘ask you to consider everything you know and un-think it’. Using the traditional music of the North East of…

    General On Sale
    More info
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