Nigel Kennedy

With a technically dazzling, emotionally fiery style, British violinist Nigel Kennedy became one of the most exciting voices to emerge from the classical world in the late 20th century. He also transcended classical music, branching out into jazz, rock, and more, always valuing expression over kowtowing to expectation. Born in Brighton, England, in 1956, he came from a family of successful classical musicians and moved to New York to study at Juilliard, releasing his first album in 1984. Five years later, he created a classical blockbuster with his recording of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with the English Chamber Orchestra. His image and approach were always more rock star than conservatory dweller, and by the ’90s he was branching out, working with pop singer Stephen Duffy, Robert Plant, Paul McCartney, and others. But Kennedy could never stay away from classical music for long. He remained one of the world’s most popular classical artists well into the 21st century as he continually introduced unexpected elements, most famously mixing Hendrix and Beethoven in performances of the latter’s Violin Concerto in D Major.