Nigel Kennedy joins Latitude Festival line-up

Latitude Festival returns for an incredible 5th Edition on 15-18th July 2010 set in the beautiful countryside of Henham Park Estate on Suffolk's Sunrise Coast.

Over the past 5 years, Latitude has been home to some truly special performances and 2010 looks set to be no different with the exciting news that multi-award winning and world-wide renowned violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy will be performing on the beautiful Lake Stage on Thursday night. This will undoubtedly be an exceptional and unique show with which to kick start the weekend's festivities.

Especially for Latitude, Kennedy will be presenting 'A Night Of Duke Ellington' - a bold excursion into non-classical repertoire. Playing with his brand new ensemble of exceptional young musicians, 'The Orchestra of Life', and his jazz outfit, 'The Nigel Kennedy Quintet', made up of the violinist and four of the most dynamic musicians on the Polish jazz scene including special guests Orphy Robinson on marimba and Doug Boyle on guitar – they will celebrate this American composer, pianist and prominent figure in the history of Jazz, who's music stretched over 50 years creating an inexhaustible songbook, scoring for movies, and world tours.

For over twenty-five years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin maestros and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. His skilful technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to both the classical and contemporary repertoire making him the best selling classical violinist of all time. He has been presented with many awards including, amongst others, Outstanding Contribution to British Music and Male Artist of the Year at the UK Brit Awards. Most recently Kennedy has released two albums with The Nigel Kennedy Quintet; 2009's 'A Very Nice Album' and this year's 'SHHH' highlighting his incredible ability as composer, improviser and player.

Invited to be Artistic Directorship of London's South Bank Centre Polish Weekend in May 2010, Kennedy will be playing at this weekend's event celebrating Polish culture, bringing together musicians and artists from a wide range of backgrounds and styles.

Catch this once in a life-time chance to see one of the world's most charismatic musicians at Latitude's exquisite Lake Stage.