Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields

Formed by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958 from a group of excellent London musicians, the Academy gave its first concert in November 1959 in the church that gives it its name. Through its concerts and extensive discography—including iconic recordings such as the famous 1969 version of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and the soundtrack to the Oscar-winning 1985 film Amadeus—this ensemble, instantly recognizable for its brilliant and refined sound, quickly earned a solid international reputation.

With virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell as its current Artistic Director, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields has maintained the collegial and flexible spirit of the original small, conductorless group and has made it its trademark. Each year, the ensemble collaborates with leading figures in the music scene, both soloists and conductors, performing symphonic and "large-scale chamber music" repertoire in the finest venues around the world.

The 2015-2016 season is punctuated by highlights, rich in concerts and international tours with eminent soloists including cellist Steven Isserlis, violinist Julia Fischer and trumpeter Hakan Hardenberger. The ensemble performs with its artistic director Joshua Bell in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, with its permanent guest conductor Murray Perahia in Germany and Europe as well as with its life president, Sir Neville Marriner, in Asia with the renowned pianist Angela Hewitt.

In addition to a busy schedule of concerts and tours, the Academy continues its work for young and old through various educational and participatory programs.

This year, the ensemble is involved in Create, Cultivate, Orchestrate! workshops for primary and secondary school children, as well as in a professional development partnership with the Southbank Sinfonia, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Northern College of Music, not to mention its work with disadvantaged people in London to enable everyone to participate in music-making.

With over 500 recordings to its credit, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is one of the world's most prolific chamber orchestras. Projects this season include the second installment of a cycle of Beethoven symphonies with Joshua Bell, following a critically acclaimed first installment of Symphonies Nos. 4 & 7, which topped the Billboard Classical Albums Chart in March 2013.