Nigel Kennedy among star performers as Classic FM Live returns

Classical music fans will be pleased to hear that Classic FM Live is to make a return to the stage after a gap of two years, to London’s Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 22 September.

Hosted by Classic FM presenters Alexander Armstrong and Margherita Taylor, the evening will include performances from some of the world’s most exciting classical music stars, including Nigel Kennedy and Chineke! Orchestra, Europe’s first majority-Black and ethnically diverse orchestra.

Legendary violinist Nigel Kennedy will perform a medley of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, as well as his own composition Melody in the Wind. Star pianist Khatia Buniatishvili will play Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.2 and Chineke! Orchestra performances will include Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A minor and Tchaikovsky’s spectacular 1812 Overture complete with lights and fireworks.

For more than two decades, Classic FM has been staging classical music concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

September’s concert, which is sponsored by Viking Cruises, will be recorded for broadcast on Classic FM on Thursday 23 September at 8pm.

Philip Noyce, Classic FM’s managing editor said: “Over the past 20 years, we have brought some of the world’s greatest musicians to the iconic Royal Albert Hall – the home of Classic FM Live – as well as showcasing new and emerging classical music stars for our audience to enjoy.

“It feels great to be going back to the Hall, for the first time in two years, with a stunning line-up including Nigel Kennedy and Chineke! Orchestra.

“Whether or not those attending have been to a classical music concert before, they will have the warmest of welcomes because our spectacular concert promises to be a very special classical music celebration.”