The Academy of St Martin in the Fields - one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world - is renowned for its polished and refined sound, rooted in outstanding musicianship. Formed in 1958 from a group of leading London musicians, and working without a conductor, the Academy gave its first performance in its namesake church on 13th November 1959. Today, the Academy performs some 100 concerts around the world each year, with as many as 15 tours each season. The Academy's Music Director is acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell.
The Academy’s partnership with its founder Sir Neville Marriner remains the most recorded pairing of orchestra and conductor and, with over 500 recordings under its belt, the Academy is one of the most recorded chamber orchestras in the world. Originally directed by Sir Neville from the leader’s chair, the collegiate spirit and flexibility of the original small, conductorless ensemble remains an Academy hallmark.
Alongside its performances with Life President Sir Neville, Principal Guest Conductor Murray Perahia, and Music Director Joshua Bell, the orchestra continues to collaborate with some of today’s most thrilling musicians including Julia Fischer, Julian Rachlin, Janine Jansen and Anthony Marwood. This season the Academy will undertake a major 15-city American tour with Joshua Bell, with further visits planned for 2012/2013.
The Academy cherishes this close relationship with the United States and its American Friends, who support our vibrant concert programme across the country, as well as our innovative Outward Sound outreach projects and our partnerships with some of the world's most talented soloists and directors.