Nigel Kennedy and the Geneva Chamber Orchestra

1 year ago

Palais de Beaulieu

Association Musika

Nigel Kennedy, one of the most offbeat and surprising characters in the classical sphere, is making his comeback in French-speaking Switzerland at the splendid Théâtre de Beaulieu, with a concert unique in Switzerland and a brand new program: Heart & Soul   To launch the four concerts of its 2023-24 season in Lausanne, Musika presents the new program by Nigel Kennedy.   Always on the lookout for new sound experiences, Nigel has developed a duo program with cellist Beata Urbanek-Kalinowska.   He offers a range of carefully selected works from the favorites of his repertoire, which he has beautifully arranged for this concert.   The Bach and Handel classics meet current composers Ryiuchi Sakamoto, Jimi Hendrix and Gershwin. Kennedy takes the audience on a musical journey where all styles meet, punctuating a few surprises of which he has the secret. From solo violin to duet with Beata, he will also move on to piano and electric violin: from intimate to infinitely vast, with Nigel, the classic joins the 21st century.   No one better than Nigel can explain his approach and present his program, of which here is an extract: “Writing and transcribing a large ensemble program for a duo of two instruments from the violin family is not only a pleasant but also a rewarding experience. The intimacy of such a small formation is obvious, but its dynamic scale is surprising. This dichotomy also reflects the co-existence of our differences on this planet. The violin and the cello are a microcosm of this.”