Biography

Formed by Neville Marriner in 1958 from a group of leading London musicians, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields gave its first performance in its namesake church in November 1959. Through live performances and a vast recording output of more than 500 releases—highlights of which include the 1969 best-seller Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and the soundtrack to the Oscar-winning film Amadeus—the chamber orchestra gained an international reputation for its distinctive, polished, and refined sound.

Today the orchestra is led by music director and violinist Joshua Bell, retaining the collegial spirit and flexibility which have become ASMF hallmarks. Under Mr. Bell’s direction, and with the support of leader and director Tomo Keller and principal guest conductor Murray Perahia, the ensemble continues to push the boundaries of player-directed performance to new heights, presenting symphonic repertoire and chamber music on a grand scale at venues around the globe.