Academy of St Martin in the Fields appoints Annie Lydford as chief executive
Florence Lockheart
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Lydford joins the Academy from Nevill Holt Opera, where she has held the role of managing director since January 2020.
Chamber orchestra The Academy of St Martin in the Fields (ASMF) has announced the appointment of Annie Lydford to the role of chief executive, starting in September 2022. Lydford joins the Academy from Nevill Holt Opera, where she has held the role of managing director since January 2020.
Lydford has worked in arts administration since 2013, following her graduation from the University of Cambridge. She will take over from Alison Tedbury, ASMF’s director of concerts, who has been interim chief executive since the departure of Alan Watts in December 2021. In her new role she will work on ASMF projects including its community work.
Joshua Bell, music director of ASMF said: ‘I believe that Annie will help the Academy deliver on exciting new artistic projects and explore new ways to engage with the community. Under her guidance, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields will strive to be innovative and forward thinking, while continuing to honor the legacy of Sir Neville Marriner’.
Lydford’s previous roles include director of communications and marketing at the Creative Industries Federation and head of communications at English National Opera. She currently serves on the board of Buxton International Festival and was a founding board member of SWAP’ra.
Annie Lydford said: ‘The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is an orchestra I’ve loved for years through its iconic recordings and live concerts. [I] am looking forward to working with Joshua, Tomo Keller, the players, the management team and the board to ensure that the Academy remains at the forefront of the world’s chamber orchestras.’
You can find out more about the Academy of St Martin in the Fields here.
