Nigel Kennedy to take over Classic FM

27 March 2013, 10:58 | Updated: 8 April 2013, 12:41

Violinist Nigel Kennedy is to take over Classic FM in a special weekend of programmes on the 6th and 7th April.

Nigel Kennedy, one of the world's best-loved violinists, is to host a weekend-long takeover of Classic FM on the 6th and 7th of April. Not only will he make his radio presenting debut, he'll also be the subject of an in-depth profile programme.

An exclusive two-hour special entitled 'Nigel Kennedy's Violin Heroes', to be broadcast at 7pm on April 6th, will see the violinist go through his favourite violin stars, from Fritz Kreisler to Ida Haendel. It will feature archive recordings and passionate commentary from Kennedy himself.

Kennedy commented: "I'm really happy to be making my radio presenting debut on Classic FM, with a whole two hours celebrating the main men and women that I believe were the greatest violinists of all time. I'd love to pay tribute to these soloists who have inspired me – and I hope you'll have the patience to sit through that stuff, and that it might inspire you as well!"

7pm on Sunday 7th April will see Classic FM presenter David Mellor present a celebration of Nigel Kennedy's life and career. Mellor and Kennedy have been firm friends for over 30 years, and the programme will feature Kennedy's finest recordings from over the years.

After Mellor's programme, Kennedy will join John Suchet for a special edition of 'Beethoven: The Man Revealed', where the two will discuss the greatest recordings of Beethoven's works for the violin.

Click here to listen to 'Nigel Kennedy's Violin Heroes' (for seven days after broadcast)