Nigel Plays Footsie, Polish Style
Eccentric violinist Nigel Kennedy is being let loose on London this May. The Krakow-based virtuoso will be handed over the South Bank Centre, Europe's largest arts complex, for the culmination of Britain's Polska Year.
Never one to do something dull, the self-styled punk has chosen a touchy subject as one of his main shows. The mischievous maestro will be screening the humiliating 1973 Polish victory over England for a performance at the Royal Festival Hall. Kennedy will be cutting the original, flabbergasted British commentary, and replacing it with his own semi-improvised jazz score, jammed by himself and a crew of Polish musos.
"I am really excited about this concert," Kennedy told the South Bank. "This is a different type of night, but it perfectly represents what the whole festival is about, which is bringing Polish culture into England."
Predictably enough, one or two English journalists have been a little perplexed by the news. The infamous match knocked England out of the World Cup, with Poland streaking all the way to the semis.
Regardless of whether one cares about soccer showdowns, Nigel's weekend at the South Bank will be bursting at the seams with Polish talent. Amongst the treats in store is a concert by Folk-Pop fusionists Zakopower, as well as Cracovian klezmer stars Kroke, who will be playing alongside Kennedy. Naturally, this being the 200th anniversary of Chopin, the pianist won't be forgotten, and a punchy performance by the brand new "Nigel Kennedy's Chopin Supergroup" is in the pipeline.
"I'm well into the Polish life," the mockney maestro enthuses, "ranging from the music and football through to the brilliant beer and vodka."
Nigel will commandeering the South Bank from Saturday 29th until Monday 31st May. For more info, check
the official website