ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS
FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 4, 2020
JOSHUA BELL, MUSIC DIRECTOR & SOLOIST
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is one of the world’s greatest
A4 portrait size and position
chamber orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the
world’s greatest classical music. Formed by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958
from a group of leading London musicians, the Academy gave its first
­performance in its namesake church in November 1959. Through unri-
valled live performances and a vast recording output – highlights of which
include the 1969 best-seller Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and the soundtrack
to the Oscar-winning film Amadeus – the Academy quickly gained an
enviable international reputation for its distinctive, polished and refined
sound.Today the Academy is led by Music Director and ­virtuoso ­violinist
Joshua Bell, retaining the collegiate spirit and flexibility of the original
small, conductor-less ensemble which has become an Academy hallmark.
Under Bell’s direction, and with the support of Leader/Director Tomo
Keller and Principal Guest Conductor Murray Perahia, the Academy
continues to push the boundaries of play-directed performance to new
heights, presenting symphonic repertoire and chamber music on a grand
scale at prestigious venues from New York to Beijing.
PROGRAM
Opener TBD
PAGANINI Violin Concerto No.1
BRAHMS Symphony No. 4
All programs subject to change. Please do not publish programs without confirmation from Opus 3 Artists.
asmf.org
Photo: Chris Christodoulou
“Friday’s performance from the British superstar chamber o ­ rchestra,
Academy of St Martin in the Fields (ASMF), under the direction of
American violinist Joshua Bell, will certainly be remembered as one of
the top classical music events of the year. The ­present ­configuration
of the 56-year-old group is a worthy heir to the name and upholds
high standards for deep musical culture: sound that is crisp, clean,
balanced, and refined. The musicians seem to have tapped some
magical key to heightened attention, displaying ­near-perfect unity
and collective phrasing that flows with spiritual sway.”
Santa Barbara Independent
“The orchestra played with amazing precision and with the
­brightest tone imaginable...The Academy of St Martin in the Fields
is an ­amazing ensemble. The performance depends on the individual
­players, all of whom are artists, and we are never disappointed.”
Palm Beach Daily News
“Bell stood in the conductor’s position to [both] direct and
­perform. As the orchestra’s sounds waxed and waned around his
violin’s sweet, plaintive phrases, Bell captivated with his charismatic
­playing...”
The Washington Post
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