Magic Moments of Music: Nigel Kennedy and the Four Seasons

It’s 1989. Violinist Nigel Kennedy is transforming the classical music landscape with his bold and flamboyant interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Kennedy is certainly not like other musicians. Trained at the most demanding classical institutions and taught by Yehudi Menuhin before joining the prestigious Julliard School, the British musician quickly expressed his uniqueness and desire to break free from convention. With his atypical style—a mohawk hairstyle and punk-inspired clothing—he achieved something remarkable with the album he recorded. Thanks to his irreverent personality and innovative approach, he attracted a new audience and introduced them to this repertoire.

Violinists Maxim Vengerov, Arabella Miho Steinbacher, and Jean-Luc Ponty, alongside musicians Avi Avital and Lizzie Ball, and fashion designer Esther Perbandt reflect on the memorable moment in this episode of Magic Moments of Music. They revisit the story behind this album and legendary concert that unveiled this extraordinary artist to the world and revolutionized the general perception of classical violin.