Tuesday 17 May 2011

AAM wows audiences across Far East

Nearly two weeks ago the Academy of Ancient Music and Music Director Richard Egarr embarked on a tour of the Far East. After tens of thousands of miles travelled and thousands of audience members in four countries thrilled, tonight we give the final performance of the tour at Singapore's remarkable Esplanade Centre (below).

During the tour we've been performing music by - among others - Handel, Vivaldi and Purcell, showcasing some of the AAM's brilliant musicians along the way with performances of instrumental works including a Bassoon Concerto by Vivaldi and Albinoni's Double Oboe Concerto.

It wasn't all instrumental music, though, and we've been delighted to welcome dazzling Korean soprano Sumi Jo for her debut performances with the AAM. Her vocal virtuosity and versatility has wowed audiences members, equally powerful in Handel's joyous 'Let the bright Seraphim' as Vivaldi's fiery 'Sposa, son disprezzata'.

The result? Standing ovations in South Korea, Taiwan, China and Singapore, numerous encores (including four after a performance in Taipei - Music Director Richard Egarr described the atmosphere as "like a rock concert"), and long queues afterwards for the players' autographs.

You can browse photos from the tour on our blog or on our Facebook page.