Wednesday 22 May 2013
Christopher Hogwood on BBC Radio 3
Yesterday afternoon our founder and Emeritus Director Christopher Hogwood appeared on BBC Radio 3's In Tune, where he discussed the history of the AAM, the future of period performance and forthcoming performances of Handel's Italian opera Imeneo.
Listen again on the BBC website (skip to 44 minutes)
View a high-resolution version of the photo (image © BBC)
Tuesday 21 May 2013
2013-14 Cambridge season: subscription booking now open
Angelika Kirchschlager, Alina Ibragimova, Iestyn Davies and Richard Tognetti are among the artists joining us for our 2013-14 Cambridge season, performing music by Haydn, Mozart, Bach, Handel and many more.
By subscribing to our concerts at West Road Concert Hall you can save 15%, avoid booking fees and guarantee your seats at every concert.
Find out more about subscription booking
Download the 2013-14 Cambridge season brochure
Wednesday 15 May 2013
Christopher Hogwood receives Honorary Doctorate from Royal College of Music
Our congratulations to AAM founder and Emeritus Director Christopher Hogwood who today received an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal College of Music in London, bestowed by HRH The Prince of Wales.
Find out more on the RCM website
View a high-resolution version of the photo (image © Chris Christodoulou)
Friday 10 May 2013
Vermeer and music — a preview from BBC Music Magazine
This summer we will be Resident Ensemble at the National Gallery, accompanying the 'Vermeer and Music: The Art of Love and Leisure' exhibition with performances three days per week throughout the summer.
BBC Music Magazine has compiled an audio slideshow looking forward to the event, featuring artworks by Vermeer and his contemporaries illustrated by music from the time.
More details about the exhibition
Full details of the art and music featured in the audio slideshow
Monday 06 May 2013
Listen again: Andreas Scholl and AAM in Handel, Haydn and Mozart
Listen again to RTÉ Lyric FM's broadcast of our performance last month from National Concert Hall, Dublin. Featuring instrumental and vocal music by Handel, Haydn and Mozart — including lieder, concert arias and a piano concerto — the concert features counter-tenor Andreas Scholl, who stepped in at the last moment for Angelika Kirchschlager, and is directed by AAM Music Director Richard Egarr.
Listen again on the RTÉ Lyric FM website
Thursday 25 April 2013
AAM guest artist Sophie Bevan wins International Opera Award
Our congratulations to soprano Sophie Bevan, who has won the Young Singer prize at the 2013 International Opera Awards. Sophie will sing with us at the BBC Proms in July and in Monteverdi's L'Orfeo at the Barbican in September; last month she received widespread praise for her performance in Bach's St Matthew Passion alongside Andreas Scholl.
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Tuesday 23 April 2013
Andreas Scholl to replace Angelika Kirchschlager in Dublin and Munich
Unfortunately Angelika Kirchschlager has had to withdraw from our concerts in Dublin and Munich due to illness. However, we are delighted to announce that counter-tenor Andreas Scholl will join us in a revised programme of Handel, Haydn and Mozart.
Read more
Monday 22 April 2013
Six-concert tour of South Korea and China in June 2013 announced
In June 2013 we will return to the Far East with performances of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons in South Korea and throughout China. Pavlo Beznosiuk will direct from the violin, with sopranos Elin Manahan Thomas and Sunhae Im joining us to sing arias by Purcell and Handel.
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Thursday 18 April 2013
AAM to perform Corelli and Handel at 2013 BBC Proms
On 20 July the AAM will give the first of this year's Saturday matinee concerts at the BBC Proms, with a performance exploring the early eighteenth-century musical scene in Rome. Sophie Bevan sings two Italian cantatas by the young Handel, which are put into the context of concerti grossi by Corelli — who died 300 years ago — and works by Valentini and Pasquini. Richard Egarr will direct from the harpsichord, and tickets go on sale in May.
Read more
Friday 12 April 2013
Richard Egarr appointed Principal Guest Conductor of Residentie Orkest
Our congratulations to our Music Director Richard Egarr, who has been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of Residentie Orkest in The Hague. Past conductors of the orchestra include Arturo Toscanini, Leonard Bernstein and — most recently — Neeme Järvi. Richard's work with the Residentie Orkest complements his ongoing music making with the AAM as well as his role as Associate Artist with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
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Monday 08 April 2013
AAM releases new recording of Mozart Requiem with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Our collaboration with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge continues with our latest CD — a recording of Mozart's Requiem which includes alternative completions by composers including Michael Finnissy and Duncan Druce. Elin Manahan Thomas, Christine Rice, James Gilchrist and Christopher Purves are the soloists.
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Sunday 31 March 2013
Happy birthday, JS Bach — and happy Easter to all
Johann Sebastian Bach's birth date is the subject of some discussion. Should we celebrate it on 21 March (the date in the Julian calendar used in Bach's lifetime) or 31 March (the same date 'converted' to the Gregorian calendar that is now commonly used worldwide)?
This year we're marking the birthday today, 31 March, in part because it coincides with Easter Day — the culmination of a week whose events inspired some of Bach's most wonderful music. Indeed over the past seven days we've performed the St Matthew Passion, St John Passion and Easter Oratorio. Besides, if anyone deserves two birthdays it's surely the man whose music has been revered, celebrated, imitated and loved like none other.
By way of small celebration, here is a brief clip of AAM and Choir of the AAM rehearsing the lullaby from the end of the St John Passion — 'Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine' ('Rest in peace, you sacred limbs'). A very happy Easter to you all.
Friday 29 March 2013
AAM performs Bach St John Passion to sold out Barbican Hall
"Having sat stunned and weepy for a good few minutes at the end of this performance, I’m happy to evangelise and proclaim that no better team could be assembled anywhere for the original 1724 version of this world-changing musical Passion... All Good Friday boxes sublimely ticked, then: pity, terror, consolation, even a dash of anticipatory joy. The fireworks of Easter can only seem tawdry by comparison."
Read the full review from The Arts Desk
Post-concert at Barbican Hall: Matthew Rose (Christ), Ashley Riches (Pilate), Andrew Kennedy (tenor), Elizabeth Watts (soprano), Sarah Connolly (mezzo-soprano), Richard Egarr (director & harpsichord), James Gilchrist (Evangelist) and Christopher Purves (bass), with the Academy of Ancient Music and Choir of the AAM
View a high-resolution version of the photo (image © AAM)
Friday 29 March 2013
Discussing Bach's St John Passion on BBC Radio 3
Ahead of our sold-out performance at the Barbican, Richard Egarr (director), James Gilchrist (Evangelist) and Matthew Rose (bass) discuss Bach's St John Passion live on BBC Radio 3's In Tune. Richard also plays a prelude and fugue from the English Suites.
Listen again via the BBC website — skip to 1'33 (available until Thursday 4 April 2013)
Thursday 28 March 2013
Watch AAM rehearsing Bach St John Passion
Concert details
Tuesday 26 March 2013
BBC Music Magazine on Bach's St Matthew Passion — "entirely unforgettable"
"Last night’s performance of Bach’s great masterpiece in King’s College chapel was about as honest a rendition as I can remember, one that spoke to its audience with open-eyed wonder and amazement at the music being performed and at the scenes being acted out.
"On stage was a heady combination of innocence and experience, of freshness and maturity. It was intensely moving and entirely unforgettable."
BBC Music Magazine reviewing Bach St Matthew Passion with AAM, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Christoph Genz, Andreas Scholl and Sophie Bevan
Read the full review
Monday 25 March 2013
AAM announced as National Gallery's Resident Ensemble for Summer 2013
We are delighted to announce that the AAM will be Resident Ensemble at the National Gallery in London this summer. We will accompany the exhibition 'Vermeer and Music: The Art of Love and Leisure' for three days a week, June to September, and will give two illustrated concerts exploring the music known to Vermeer and his contemporaries.
'Vermeer and Music' is expected to be seen by over 100,000 visitors and is — as far as we are aware — the first time that live music has featured as an ongoing part of a major art exhibition.
Johannes Vermeer A Young Woman seated at a Virginal (detail), about 1670-2 © The National Gallery, London (NG2568)
Read more
Sunday 24 March 2013
Latest film — JS Bach's Easter Oratorio in rehearsal
This afternoon we rehearsed in King's College Chapel ahead of our performance there on Saturday 30 March. Watch a snippet here.
Concert details
Monday 18 March 2013
Christopher Hogwood is BBC Radio 3 'Artist of the Week'
BBC Radio 3's 'Artist of the Week' is currently AAM founder and Emeritus Director Christopher Hogwood, as part of the ongoing Baroque Spring series. At 9.30am from Monday 18 to Friday 22 March Christopher's recordings with the AAM will be featured on Essential Classics. You can hear it live on BBC Radio 3, or listen again on the BBC website.
Christopher Hogwood conducts the AAM in Haydn's The Creation
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Wednesday 13 March 2013
Richard Egarr releases acclaimed recording of JS Bach English Suites
AAM Music Director Richard Egarr's latest solo recording — JS Bach's English Suites — has been feted by a number of critics, including winning Instrumental Choice in BBC Music Magazine and being crowned "the best harpsichord recital of these Suites on disc". You can buy the Suites directly from the AAM for just £15 plus p&p — read on to find out more.
Read more
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Two AAM guest artists nominated for The Opera Awards 2013
We are delighted that two AAM artists, Sarah Connolly and Sophie Bevan, have been nominated for the prestigious Opera Awards 2013.
Sarah, who joins us on 29 March in Bach's St John Passion at the Barbican (click here for more details), is a finalist in the female singer category. Sophie, who sings Euridice in Monteverdi's L'Orfeo on 28 September (click here for more details), is nominated for the young singer award.
Cast your vote and browse the other nominees here
Friday 08 March 2013
Listen again to AAM concerts on BBC Radio 3
Two AAM performances are available for you to listen on the BBC Radio 3 website. Enjoy!
JS Bach's Orchestral Suites, recorded live in Shrewsbury (available until Wednesday 13 March 2013)
Chamber music by Handel and Geminiani, recorded live in Little Stanmore Church, North London (available until Thursday 14 March 2013)
Thursday 07 March 2013
AAM performs Handel in the composer's own church
This afternoon we perform a chamber concert as part of BBC Radio 3's Baroque Spring. Richard Egarr (harpsichord), Pavlo Beznosiuk (violin) and Rachel Brown (flute) play works by Handel and Geminiani in Little Stanmore Church, North London. The church was refurbished by the flamboyant Duke of Chandos in the early eighteenth century, and Handel was briefly employed as organist there. During this time he composed the Chandos Anthems, which — as well as the oratorio Acis and Galatea — was first performed in the church.
You can listen live to the concert on BBC Radio 3 at 1pm today (Thursday 7 March 2013), or listen again on the BBC website until 14 March by following the link below.
View a high-resolution version of the photo (image © BBC Radio 3)
Listen again to the concert on the BBC Radio 3 website (available until 14 March 2013)
Wednesday 06 March 2013
Book now for St John Passion
On Good Friday, 29 March, we'll perform Bach's St John Passion at the Barbican. With a cast including James Gilchrist as Evangelist and Sarah Connolly and Elizabeth Watts as aria soloists, it's set to be a memorable concert. Tickets are selling out fast; book soon.
Read more
Tuesday 19 February 2013
Listen to AAM live on BBC Radio 3
Three AAM concerts will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 over the next fortnight: Vivaldi with Bernarda Fink on 27 February, Bach Orchestral Suites on 6 March, and chamber music by Handel on 7 March.
Read more
Friday 15 February 2013
50% of funds raised to record JS Bach St John Passion
We are delighted to announce that 50% of the amount needed for us to record Bach's St John Passion has now been raised. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, and please continue to spread the word. We need to raise £5,000 altogether by 29 March 2013, with music-lovers contributing from £10 each.
Find out more and share our passion by donating today
Monday 04 February 2013
AAM records JS Bach's Orchestral Suites
This week we're recording JS Bach's Orchestral Suites at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
Friday 01 February 2013
Our first-ever recording of the St John Passion — and how you can help
In April 2013 we will record JS Bach’s original 1724 version of the St John Passion. With a superlative cast including James Gilchrist, Sarah Connolly, Elizabeth Watts and Christopher Purves, and directed by Richard Egarr, this will be a landmark project.
The total cost of this recording is £50,000, of which £45,000 has already been raised. Just £5,000 is now needed to make the project possible.
We are looking for a group of people who share our love of Bach to give £10 each.
Your generous support will be matched by funding from Arts Council England, meaning that — with Gift Aid — a donation of £10 will be worth £22.50 to us.
Find out more and share our passion by donating today
Wednesday 30 January 2013
AAM begins 2013 with JS Bach's St Matthew Passion
Last night we began our year with a performance of JS Bach's St Matthew Passion in a sold-out Kings Place, London. Featuring the Choir of King's College, Cambridge and James Gilchrist as Evangelist, the performance was described as "nimble and nuanced... penitential, but in no way a penance" by one reviewer.
The performance marked the beginning of three months in which we'll perform and record various instrumental and choral works by JS Bach.
Click here to find out more
View a high-resolution version of the photo
Read a review from The Arts Desk
Monday 21 January 2013
AAM launches 40th anniversary season in London and Cambridge
Today we announce details of our 2013-14 London and Cambridge seasons, which marks the AAM's 40th anniversary. Featuring music from Monteverdi to Beethoven, we will be joined by superlative artists including Andreas Scholl, Alina Ibragimova, Iestyn Davies, Angelika Kirchschlager and Richard Tognetti.
Read more
Monday 14 January 2013
Performance of JS Bach's Easter Oratorio announced
We are delighted to announce that we will perform JS Bach's Easter Oratorio in King's College Chapel, Cambridge on Holy Saturday (30 March). The concert also includes Charpentier's Te Deum and a sacred concerto by Vivaldi, with a cast featuring bass Roderick Williams. Tickets go on sale on 21 January 2013.
Read more
Wednesday 09 January 2013
AAM launches arts fundraising course
The Academy of Ancient Music is curating a series of three day-long workshops at the Judge Business School, Cambridge University for other arts organisations seeking to diversify their income streams and attract greater levels of funding from private sources.
Read more
Thursday 20 December 2012
Happy Christmas from the AAM
All of us at the AAM wish you a very happy Christmas and a tuneful New Year.
Over the past year we've played music by 21 composers in 42 concerts across 22 cities, performed as part of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, launched an Association at the Barbican and held our first-ever AAM Explore workshop. It's been a great pleasure to share some wonderful music with you — we look forward to seeing you in 2013 for more.
The AAM office will be closed between Monday 24 December 2012 and Tuesday 2 January 2014.
Sunday 16 December 2012
AAM named in top ten concerts of 2012
We are delighted that our performance of JS Bach's The Art of Fugue at the BBC Proms has been named in the top ten concerts of 2012 by The Guardian. The concert was directed by Mahan Esfahani, who had made a pioneering new arrangement of Bach's enigmatic score.
Read more
Monday 10 December 2012
A Christmas present from the AAM — free recording of JS Bach
To celebrate Christmas, we're offering a free download of our studio recording of Bach's Sinfonia to Cantata No.42 to all subscribers to AAM Update. The recording, directed by Richard Egarr, was made in September 2012.
To receive the recording for free, just enter your email address at the foot of this page and we'll send the track straight to your inbox. Or, if you have music-loving friends, why not enter their address too and give them a Christmas treat?
Monday 03 December 2012
Eleven-concert tour of JS Bach's Orchestral Suites announced
In January, February and March 2013 we'll perform JS Bach's majestic Orchestral Suites at venues throughout the UK and The Netherlands.
Read more
Thursday 15 November 2012
Andreas Scholl makes his AAM debut
Last night the counter-tenor Andreas Scholl made his AAM debut performing an all-Bach programme in King's College Chapel, Cambridge. We continue our collaboration with him in March 2013 with two performances of Bach's St Matthew Passion, with further dates to be announced.
View a high-resolution version of the photo
Wednesday 14 November 2012
AAM online: tell us what you think!
Millions of people interact with the AAM digitally every week: listening to us the radio and on CD, visiting this website, streaming tracks on the AAMplayer.
Help guide our future direction with this five-minute survey, and you'll be entered into an exclusive competition to win CDs and concert tickets.
For those of you who can, thanks for taking the time to fill it in: it's vital to know your thoughts as we plan for the future.
Read more
Wednesday 31 October 2012
Robert Levin improvises Mozart — live
Pianist, musicologist and long-time AAM collaborator Robert Levin is in Cambridge for a series of lecture-recitals and a concert. At the end of his first lecture, he invited the audience to suggest three Mozart pieces on which he would improvise. The result is staggering.
Monday 15 October 2012
In profile: the baroque contrabassoon
This summer we've been touring Europe playing Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks — which calls for a baroque contrabassoon. This unusual instrument has drawn admiration, applause and amusement wherever we've been, and contrabassoonist Philip Turbett demonstrates it in our latest film.
Wednesday 26 September 2012
AAM's London home to be exclusively in the Barbican's 'cultural quarter' from September 2013
Today we announce our next step as Associate Ensemble at the Barbican. From September 2013 we will complement our ongoing concerts in Barbican Hall with performances of smaller-scale baroque and classical works at the Guildhall School’s newly-built Milton Court on Silk Street, the latest addition to the Barbican's vibrant 'cultural quarter'.
Read more
Monday 24 September 2012
Friends of the AAM: support the music you love
This week we officially launch the Friends of the AAM in London. As well as supporting our London season — including our new Association at the Barbican — the Friends of the AAM will benefit from priority booking and will have the opportunity to attend annual drinks receptions and to meet AAM players. Membership begins from just £2.50 per month.
Read more
Tuesday 18 September 2012
New film released: Handel's 'Zadok the Priest'
Ahead of performances of Handel's royal music in Cambridge and London next week, watch the AAM and Choir of the AAM perform the exhilarating 'Zadok the Priest'.
See details of the London and Cambridge performances
Monday 17 September 2012
AAM performs at the Haydn Festival in Eisenstadt
Last week we performed symphonies by Haydn in Esterhazy Palace, where the composer lived and worked. Conducted by Bernard Labadie, the programme included three symphonies and a concerto by Haydn, alongside a symphony by Mozart. After the concert, Labadie described conducting Haydn in Eisenstadt as a "dream come true".
View a high-resolution photo of AAM in the magnificent Haydnhalle at Esterhazy Palace
Friday 31 August 2012
Eight-concert tour of Australia in 2013 announced
In November 2013, we return to Australia with performances in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane. We'll perform music from the golden age of the English baroque by Purcell, Arne, Locke and Handel (whose Sinfonia to Saul you can watch below), directed by Richard Egarr and starring soprano Sara Macliver.
Read more
Wednesday 22 August 2012
Special offer: 10% off tickets to hear Richard Egarr
Get 10% off tickets to two or more concerts in AAM Music Director Richard Egarr's residency at London's Handel House this September. Richard will perform all of Handel's Great Suites, and will be joined by mezzo-soprano Daniela Lehner in a range of Handel arias.
To claim the discount, call 020 7399 1953 and quote AAM
Read more
Thursday 26 July 2012
New release: world-premiere recording of music by Christopher Gibbons
We are delighted to unveil our new CD release, starring the Choir of the AAM and directed by Richard Egarr. The recording surveys the vocal and instrumental music of Christopher Gibbons, a long-neglected seventeenth-century English composer (son of the famous Orlando). After stumbling across mentions of Christopher Gibbons in Samuel Pepys' diaries, AAM Music Director Richard Egarr uncovered a range of works by the composer in library archives. This is the first-ever recording of this music.
"Beautifully played and sung... the instrumental pieces are wonderfully imaginative, but it's the choral works that stand out with their startling modulations and expressively charged vocal lines."THE GUARDIAN 'Disc of the week'
Find out more, listen to samples and pre-order for just £10
Wednesday 25 July 2012
New film: Exploring Bach's music
Harpsichordist and guest director Mahan Esfahani talks about the "work of genius" that is Bach's Canon in augmentation and contrary motion from The Art of Fugue, in which the composer takes a theme, lengthens it, turns it upside down — and then combines all three!
Tuesday 24 July 2012
New film: AAM at the Proms
Watch rehearsal footage and player interviews, exploring Mahan Esfahani's new arrangement of The Art of Fugue which we premiered at the BBC Proms last week.
Monday 23 July 2012
Listen again to AAM at the BBC Proms
Last Saturday we gave the world-premiere performance of Mahan Esfahani's arrangement of Bach's The Art of Fugue. You can listen again for seven days on the BBC website.
Read more
Monday 16 July 2012
Catch the AAM on the BBC this week
Ahead of our performance at the BBC Proms on Saturday, you can listen to exclusive interviews and rehearsal footage on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 4 this week.
Read more
Wednesday 27 June 2012
AAM live on BBC Radio 3 tonight
This evening's performance of music from the French baroque by Lully, Charpentier and Marais will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 at 7.30pm this evening (Wednesday 27 June 2012). The programme surveys the astonishing creative outpouring inspired by the court of the 'Sun King', Louis XIV, featuring instrumental and choral works. Richard Egarr directs from the keyboards.
Read more
Thursday 21 June 2012
AAM 2012-13 Wigmore Hall concerts now on sale
Book now for our 2012-13 season at London's Wigmore Hall, including performances from Telemann to Mozart with soprano Lucy Crowe, mezzo-soprano Bernarda Fink and conductor Nicholas Collon.
Read more
Tuesday 12 June 2012
Watch AAM at Thames Jubilee Pageant
Watch films about our performance at the Thames Pageant, browse photos of the day and read our musicians' blog...
Read more
Tuesday 29 May 2012
AAM at the Thames Jubilee Pageant
On Sunday 3 June, we'll perform in front of our biggest-ever audience when we appear at the Thames Jubilee Pageant. Read on to find out more about the history of the music, and how to watch and listen to this historic event.
Read more
Saturday 19 May 2012
Subscription booking for 2012-13 Cambridge season now open
Subscription booking is now open for our 2012-13 Cambridge season. Subscribers save 15%, guarantee their seats for the whole year, and get an additional 15% off extra tickets throughout the year. For details about subscriptions, follow the link below.
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Thursday 17 May 2012
2012-13 season brochure now available
Download our 2012-13 season brochure now, with full details of all our concerts in London and Cambridge. Highlights include AAM debuts for Andreas Scholl and Lucy Crowe; performances of both of JS Bach's passions; and, in our first year as Associate Ensemble, a programme of Handel's royal music and a rare chance to hear his 'farewell to Italian opera',Imeneo.
Read more
Monday 14 May 2012
AAM on Classic FM podcast
AAM Chief Executive Michael Garvey chats to Classic FM ahead of our performance as part of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June 2012. We'll perform music by Handel on the River Thames, and the podcast includes insights into how we'll prepare, why the music is so appropriate - and why clothes pegs will be key to the success of the day.
Read more
Friday 04 May 2012
Richard Egarr renews contract as AAM Music Director
Richard Egarr will remain as AAM Music Director until August 2017, with future plans including music by JS Bach, Handel and Monteverdi - as well as the development of the AAM as Associate Ensemble at the Barbican.
Read more
Wednesday 25 April 2012
Hear AAM live on In Tune
Listen again to our live performance of music by Falconieri, Monteverdi and Castello on BBC Radio 3's In Tune, ahead of concerts later this week. Presenter Sean Rafferty chats about the music with director Jonathan Cohen, tenor James Gilchrist and AAM leader Pavlo Beznosiuk. Skip to 1'10 to hear the performance.
Read more
Monday 23 April 2012
Listen live to the AAM on BBC Radio 3
Our performance from Wigmore Hall on Thursday 27 April will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 at 7.30pm. Jonathan Cohen directs music by Monteverdi and his contemporaries, with soprano Anna Prohaska and tenors James Gilchrist and Benjamin Hulett.
Read more
Thursday 19 April 2012
AAM to perform at 2012 BBC Proms
We are thrilled to announce that the AAM will perform music by JS Bach at the 2012 BBC Proms
Read more
Friday 02 March 2012
Watch Alina Ibragimova in performance with the AAM
We're in the middle of a UK tour with violinist Alina Ibragimova, which has already won five-star reviews and praise from throughout the music world. You can watch a film featuring excerpts of the performance as part of Bath Bachfest, including works by Biber, JS Bach and Vivaldi.
Read more
Thursday 19 January 2012
AAM to perform at Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant
We are thrilled to announce that the AAM will perform Handel's Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks as part of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, led by Her Majesty The Queen on the afternoon of 3 June 2012.
Read more
Wednesday 18 January 2012
AAM becomes Associate Ensemble at the Barbican Centre
From September 2012, the AAM will become Associate Ensemble at London's Barbican Centre. Joining the LSO, BBC Symphony Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia as Associates, we will give regular performances at the Barbican, reaching new audiences and putting on more ambitious and stimulating concerts than ever before.
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Monday 19 December 2011
AAM recording voted one of greatest of all time
The AAM's 1980 recording of Handel's Messiah under Christopher Hogwood has been voted one of the greatest recordings of all time. BBC Music Magazine called on some of the world's finest critics to compile a list of the top 50 classical recordings no collection should be without; Hogwood's Messiah made it in at number 25, accompanied by the following comment:
"Stodge no more. In Christopher Hogwood's hands, Messiah was no longer a ponderous and portentous work, but something tightly sprung and which demanded your attention. The period instrument specialist was spring-cleaning well-loved pieces even as his pioneering contemporary Roger Norrington had barely launched the London Classical Players."
Friday 16 December 2011
AAM to perform Messiah live on BBC Radio 3
On Friday 23 December, tune in to BBC Radio 3 to hear the AAM performing Handel's Messiah live from St John's, Smith Square in London. The concert, which begins at 7.30pm, is conducted by Stephen Layton and stars Katherine Watson, Iestyn Davies, James Gilchrist and Neal Davies.
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Friday 16 December 2011
Exclusive film: AAM performing JS Bach
To celebrate Christmas, we'll be releasing a film of the AAM performing JS Bach's Sinfonia to Cantata No.42, recorded in September. Ivan Hewett described the performance as "tripping along with natural, unforced joy"; to see it, just join AAM Update by entering your email address at the foot of any page on this website. We'll then send you an exclusive link to the film. Happy watching!
Monday 05 December 2011
Sumi Jo interviewed on BBC World Service
Before her performance with the AAM in London last month, the South Korean soprano Sumi Jo talked to the BBC World Service about her early life in Korea, her musical life, and her recently-discovered love of the baroque and classical repertoire.
Read more
Friday 02 December 2011
£10 and £15 seats for Messiah in London just released
The AAM's festive performance of Handel's Messiah at London's Barbican Hall on 14 December is selling fast - and we've just released £10 and £15 balcony seats. Book soon for this great Christmas treat!
Read more
Tuesday 29 November 2011
2012 UK tour dates with Alina Ibragimova announced
In February and March 2012, violinist Alina Ibragimova directs a period-instrument band for the first time in a five-concert UK tour with the Academy of Ancient Music. The performances also mark Alina's AAM debut.
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Monday 21 November 2011
AAMplify workshop at the Guildhall School
On Thursday 17 November, players from the AAM sat side-by-side with students from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in the first-ever AAMplify workshop in London. Exploring music by Charpentier and Rebel, the workshop marks the beginning of what we know will be a strong collaboration between the two organisations. You can see photos from the workshop on flickr - just follow the link below.
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Tuesday 15 November 2011
Watch Sumi Jo singing with the AAM
On 25 November, Sumi Jo makes a rare London appearance in an all-Mozart programme with the AAM. For more details and to book tickets, click here.
Watch Sumi singing Handel with the AAM in our latest film, shot during our tour of the Far East in May 2011.
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Wednesday 05 October 2011
New film: Shunske Sato plays and discusses Paganini
Ahead of his UK debut performing Paganini's Second Violin Concerto with the AAM next week, we caught up with Shunske Sato to talk about the impact of Paganini on violin playing and on the great piano virtuosos of the day. The film includes Shunske playing Paganini's Moto Perpetuo with AAM Music Director Richard Egarr.
Read more
Saturday 10 September 2011
Happy birthday, Christopher Hogwood
Wishing a very happy 70th birthday to AAM founder Christopher Hogwood. Christopher was Music Director of the AAM from 1973 to 2006, establishing it at the forefront of the period-instrument movement and as one of the world's most celebrated orchestras. His legacy with the AAM and the musical world is immense, and he continues to break new ground with his conducting and musicology. In the words of Sir Nicholas Kenyon, Christopher truly deserves the title of "a pioneer". You can listen to tributes from friends and colleagues, including singers Dame Emma Kirkby and Catherine Bott, conductor Neville Marriner and Gramophone Magazine Editor in Chief James Jolly, by following the link below.
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Friday 02 September 2011
Watch Shunske Sato playing Corelli in our latest video
The young Japanese violin prodigy Shunske Sato will make his UK debut playing Paganini with the AAM in October 2011. You can watch him in action in our latest film, playing a sonata by Corelli with AAM Music Director Richard Egarr at the harpsichord.
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Friday 29 July 2011
AAM guest artists nominated for 2011 Gramophone Artist of the Year Award
Congratulations to violinist Alina Ibragimova and trumpeter Alison Balsom, who have been nominated for the 2011 Gramophone Artist of the Year Award. We'll be performing with Alison on 9 August 2011 in Worcester (book here) and Alina will join us in February 2012 for performances of Biber, JS Bach and Vivaldi in London (book here) and Cambridge (book here).
Read more
Friday 29 July 2011
Listen to AAM perform Bach on BBC Radio 3
Tune in to BBC Radio 3 at 6.30pm tomorrow evening (Saturday 30 July) to hear the AAM perform and explore JS Bach's Magnificat, in an 90-minute broadcast presented by Sara Mohr-Pietsch. The programme will be available online until Saturday 6 August.
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Tuesday 05 July 2011
AAM nominated for 2011 Helpmann Award
We're delighted to have been nominated, along with the Berlin Philharmonic and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, for the 2011 Helpmann Award for Best Symphony Orchestra Concert. The nomination is for our performance of Haydn's The Creation in Perth, Australia in February 2011, and the winner will be announced on 1 August at a ceremony at the Sydney Opera House.
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Friday 17 June 2011
AAM explores music by JS Bach's family on BBC Radio 3
On Saturday 18 June at 1pm, BBC Radio 3 will broadcast a sixty-minute programme exploring the music of JS Bach's family, with performances from the AAM. The programme will be presented by Catherine Bott, and features choral and instrumental music by JS Bach's ancestors and sons.
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Friday 10 June 2011
AAM records Bach with BBC
The AAM will record music by JS Bach and his family for future release on BBC Radio 3 as part of the 'BBC Philharmonic Presents' series
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Thursday 02 June 2011
Sir Nicholas Kenyon discusses Bach
Sir Nicholas Kenyon, distinguished music critic and former Controller of BBC Radio 3, will give two pre-concert talks in conversation with AAM Music Director Richard Egarr in July.
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Tuesday 17 May 2011
AAM wows audiences across Far East
The AAM's tour of the Far East draws to a close with tonight's performance in the Esplanade Centre, Singapore. Over the past two weeks we've performed to thousands of people in South Korea, Taiwan, China and Singapore.
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Friday 06 May 2011
AAM 2011-12 season announced
Full details of the AAM's 2011-12 London and Cambridge season have been announced. We'll be performing music spanning three centuries with a stunning array of guest artists, including violinist Alina Ibragimova, singers Sumi Jo and James Gilchrist, and the Choir of King's College, Cambridge.
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Tuesday 19 April 2011
AAM prepares for performances of St John Passion
The AAM continues its collaboration with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge with two sold-out performances of JS Bach's St John Passion in Cambridge and London
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Friday 01 April 2011
2009-10 annual review published
The AAM's 2009-10 annual review has been published, giving details of the orchestra's artistic achievements and financial performance last year, and of its plans for future periods.
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Wednesday 30 March 2011
Academy of Ancient Music secures regular public funding for first time
The Academy of Ancient Music has secured regular public funding for the first time in its 37-year history. The orchestra will receive over £500,000 between 2012 and 2015 as part of Arts Council England’s national portfolio.
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Friday 18 March 2011
AAM performs Handel arias to great acclaim
The AAM's performances of Handel's finest tragic arias with Canadian duo Karina Gauvin and Bernard Labadie have been met with a rapturous reception by audiences in London and Cambridge.
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Wednesday 02 March 2011
AAM tour blog — updates from China and Australia
AAM violinist William Thorp tells us all the news from the AAM’s tour of the Far East.
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Thursday 17 February 2011
AAM performs first-ever complete Brandenburgs in China
The AAM has today given the first performance of the complete Brandenburg Concertos in China, to a packed-out Shanghai Concert Hall. AAM Chief Executive Michael Garvey said that the orchestra was "deeply honoured to be making musical history in this way", and added that it was "truly exciting to be bringing baroque music to the widest international audience".
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Thursday 03 February 2011
“My ears were opened at the Wigmore Hall”
Matthew Parris has written in his column in The Times about our concert last week at Wigmore Hall: "My ears were opened... for a moment I could imagine myself in an 18th-century drawing room, where player and small audience would catch each other’s eyes, wink and smile their appreciation."
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Tuesday 25 January 2011
AAMplify masterclasses and workshops
On 25 January the AAM teamed up with the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Music for a day of workshops and masterclasses, coaching some of the finest musicians of the future as part of our AAMplify scheme. The result? In the words of one student, "the best experience of my musical life".
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Monday 15 November 2010
AAM completes first-ever recording of music by Christopher Gibbons
The AAM has just finished recording a mix of instrumental fantasias, organ voluntaries and choral works by Christopher Gibbons. Wondering who he is, or why we're bothering to perform his music? Read on to find out...
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