Review: The New Four Seasons, Nigel Kennedy, The Apex in Bury St Edmunds, May 20

The Bury St Edmunds Festival got off to a flying start last night as violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy wowed The Apex.

Watching him perform in front of the sold-out venue felt like being invited to a very special party.

Full of energy and enthusiasm, Kennedy and his fellow performers had the audience enraptured on innumerable occasions with music both incredible and powerful.

Starting the night off with works from Kennedy’s acclaimed Dedications compositions, he paid tribute to many including Stéphane Grappelli and Mark O’Connor, before moving on to perform the New Four Seasons.

Standing centre stage, surrounded by 10 musicians and wearing one of his trademark Aston Villa shirts for the first half, Kennedy was impeccable and the complete showman.

The stage was full of “extraordinary talent”, to quote the man himself, and each had their moment in the limelight.

But at the centre of it all was Nigel Kennedy, whirling around in his confined semi-circle of musicians, engaging with each of his fellow players in turn – laughing, fist bumping, hugging, challenging, taunting and inspiring. All the time making everyone feel they were privy to a very intimate performance.

This was opening night of the Bury Festival. Here’s looking forward to the remaining nine.