World-famous violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy staged on Saturday an open rehearsal at the music school in Sofia, six days ahead of his much anticipated concert here.

This is the third time that Nigel Kennedy comes to Bulgaria after having performed here in 1999 and 2005.

The eccentric violinist will stage two concerts in the country, in Varna on October 3 and in Sofia on October 5, performing Beethoven and Mozart compositions.

For the past 25 years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin virtuosos. His excellent technique, unique talent and popular appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire.

 Violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy finetunes and plays up a storm in Bulgaria Capital

From Mozart to Jimi Hendrix, Nigel Kennedy Plays Up a Storm in Bulgaria Capital
7 October 2007, Sunday

Nigel Kennedy came to Bulgaria for the third time after having performed here in 1999 and 2005. The eccentric violinist staged two concerts in the country, in Varna on October 3 and in Sofia on October 5. Photo by Kameliya Atanasova (Sofia Photo Agency) Buy Photo.

Two and a half hours of shattering intensity and no ordinary classical music brought hundreds of Bulgarian fans on foot at the end of the spectacle of phenomenal Nigel Kennedy in Sofia late on October 5.

Kennedy, who shot to popularity through his groundbreaking interpretation of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" in 1989, treated his Bulgarian fans toMozart and Beethoven only to wrap up with his tribute to Jimi Hendrix "Purple Haze" and Miles Davies pieces.

Kennedy did not spare efforts to encourage and extol the "phenomenal" musicians from the Classic FM orchestra, interacted with the audience all the time and offered fascinating improvisations.

With his brushed-up hair and post-punk black shirt, trousers and boots, Nigel made it clear he will never cease to surprise, amaze and provoke. When presented with flowers by officials, who apparently did not know of his allergy to flowers, Nigel's reaction was: "What the fuck is that!".

That was the third time that Nigel Kennedy came to Bulgaria after having performed here in 1999 and 2005. The eccentric violinist staged two concerts in the country, in Varna on October 3 and in Sofia on October 5, and promised he will be back.

For the past 25 years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin virtuosos. His excellent technique, unique talent and popular appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire.

Kennedy studied music at the Yehudi Menuhin School and at Juilliard. He made his recording debut in 1984 with the Elgar Violin Concerto. Since then, he's performed with the likes of traditional classical musicians like Andre Previn, and pop stars like Kate Bush and Paul McCartney.

Known for stretching the boundaries of classical music, Kennedy espouses the need to take on new technical challenges -- "If you're playing within your capability, what's the point?" he asks.