Academy of Ancient Music announces 50th anniversary season
Florence Lockheart
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Launching on 18 October, the 2023-24 season will include performances in London and Cambridge alongside the release of a book on the ensemble’s history and the completion of a landmark recording project
The Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) has announced plans for its 2023-24 season, marking its 50th anniversary with a celebration of the ensemble’s history. The upcoming season will include performances in London and Cambridge and the release of a book on the ensemble’s history as well as the completion of the first recording of Mozart's complete works for keyboard and orchestra.
Launching on 18 October with a performance of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks at the Barbican where AAM is associate ensemble, the season will also include explorations of Empress Maria Theresa's musical world, the art of the Italian concerto and music by Sons of England, curated by Reginald Mobley as well as a performance of Bach's complete Brandenburg Concertos.
AAM recording in Dulwich ©Nick Rutter
AAM music director Laurence Cummings said: ‘We are thrilled to celebrate 50 years of Academy of Ancient Music this season. Our anniversary is an opportunity to look back at AAM's impressive history and celebrate our continued commitment to historical detail and musical adventure. We look forward to performing wonderful music throughout this joyous season.’
Founded in 1973 to make the first British recordings of orchestral works using original instruments, AAM has released more than 300 albums, with performances using historically informed techniques, period-specific instruments and original sources. Throughout the upcoming season the Academy aims to cultivate the next generation of early music performers and enthusiasts through side-by-side sessions, masterclasses and workshops with the Royal College of Music, Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School.
The upcoming season will also see the completion of AAM’s 30-year-long recording project with pianist Robert Levin. With the last disc due out in June 2024, this cycle will be the first recording of Mozart's complete works for keyboard and orchestra, completed after a two decade hiatus. The ensemble will also release a new book by journalist Richard Bratby. Released in October, the book focuses on AAM's journey from the 70s right up to the present day.
