World-renowned violinist returns to the UK stage for first major national tour in over 15 years.

One of the world’s most celebrated and best-selling violinists is heading to Portsmouth this spring as Nigel Kennedy brings his acclaimed Virtuoso concert tour to The Kings Theatre on Thursday 28 May 2026.

The performance forms part of Kennedy’s first large-scale UK tour in more than 15 years and promises an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling and world-class musicianship from one of Britain’s most distinctive and much-loved performers.

Famed for his groundbreaking 1989 recording of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons – still one of the best-selling classical albums of all time – Kennedy has spent decades captivating audiences around the globe with his bold, genre-defying approach to music.

Now, after sold-out performances at London’s Royal Festival Hall and a celebrated residency at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club earlier this year, Kennedy is taking his music back on the road, reconnecting with audiences in towns and cities across the UK.

For Portsmouth music lovers, it’s a rare opportunity to experience an artist whose career has taken him from the world’s great concert halls to intimate jazz clubs, yet whose performances remain deeply personal and rooted in the connection between artist and audience.

Kennedy said: “Obviously I love London (and Birmingham) but there’s a different vibe about places with maybe 40,000 people in the town itself. The audience are what makes a concert special… it is a team collaboration and music is an inspiration for bringing people together.”

 Described by The Guardian as “one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced”, Kennedy’s Virtuoso performance will showcase the full breadth of his musical passion.

Audiences can expect an eclectic and emotionally charged setlist featuring music from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Bach’s powerful Chaconne from Partita No.2 in D minor, to Gershwin’s The Man I Love and a moving interpretation of Danny Boy.

Joining Kennedy on stage will be two long-time collaborators: acclaimed double bassist Alec Dankworth – son of the late jazz legends Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine – and celebrated cellist Peter Adams.

Together, the trio promise an evening that moves effortlessly between classical, jazz and folk influences, reflecting Kennedy’s lifelong belief that music should unite rather than divide.

Kennedy’s fearless creativity and extraordinary technical mastery have earned him a reputation as one of the most compelling live performers of his generation.

As one critic recently noted: “Nigel Kennedy remains uniquely able to open the classical music door to everyone.”

 Ticket link: https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whatson-event/nigel-kennedy/

Image provided by Monica Jakubowska