Academy of Ancient Music

Academy of Ancient Music. The Academy of Ancient Music is a British period-instrument orchestra based in London, founded in 1973 by the pioneering harpsichordist and conductor Christopher Hogwood. It is one of the world's preeminent ensembles dedicated to historically informed performance of Baroque and Classical repertoire, utilizing original instruments and scholarly research. The orchestra has built an extensive and critically acclaimed discography, primarily for the Decca and Harmonia Mundi labels, and performs regularly at major venues and festivals worldwide.

History

The ensemble was established as a direct successor to an earlier organization of the same name founded in 1726 by composers such as Johann Christoph Pepusch and George Frideric Handel. This original Academy of Vocal Music evolved into a society for the study and performance of "ancient" music, primarily works over two decades old. The modern revival under Christopher Hogwood in 1973 coincided with a burgeoning interest in historically informed performance across Europe. Its early recordings, like the landmark complete cycle of Mozart's symphonies, were instrumental in popularizing the period-instrument movement. The orchestra has been in residence at the University of Cambridge and regularly performs at London's Barbican Centre and the BBC Proms.

Artistic leadership

The founding director, Christopher Hogwood, shaped the ensemble's scholarly and vibrant style until 2006. He was succeeded by the violinist and conductor Andrew Manze, who expanded the repertoire further into the Romantic era. From 2013 to 2023, the artistic director was the harpsichordist and conductor Richard Egarr, who emphasized dynamic phrasing and rhetorical power. In 2023, conductor and harpsichordist Laurence Cummings assumed the role of music director, having previously served as director of the London Handel Festival. Principal players have included renowned period-instrument specialists like flautist Lisa Beznosiuk and violinist Pavlo Beznosiuk.

Repertoire and recordings

The orchestra's core repertoire spans from the early Baroque works of Henry Purcell and Claudio Monteverdi through the high Baroque of Handel, Bach, and Vivaldi, to the Classical masters Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Its extensive discography includes complete cycles of Mozart's piano concertos with Robert Levin and the symphonies of Haydn. Landmark recordings also feature the operas of Handel, such as *Acis and Galatea*, and major works by Bach, including the Brandenburg Concertos. The ensemble records primarily for the Harmonia Mundi label.

Performance practice and instruments

The ensemble is defined by its commitment to historically informed performance practice, employing instruments either from the composer's era or accurate modern copies. Players use Baroque bows, natural trumpets without valves, fortepianos, and historical keyboard instruments like the harpsichord and clavichord. This approach extends to techniques such as basso continuo realization, ornamentation, and historically appropriate tempo and phrasing. Research into original scores, treatises by figures like Quantz and Leopold Mozart, and the study of historical pitch standards are fundamental to its interpretations.

Collaborations and outreach

The orchestra frequently collaborates with leading vocal and instrumental soloists, including soprano Emma Kirkby, countertenor Iestyn Davies, and violinist Rachel Podger. It has partnered with choirs such as the Choir of King's College, Cambridge and the Choir of the AAM for large-scale works like Handel's *Messiah* and Bach's *Mass in B Minor*. Its outreach and education initiatives are centered at the University of Cambridge, where it runs the AAMplify program for young musicians and engages in community projects. The ensemble also maintains a strong digital presence, offering streaming concerts and educational resources globally.

Category:British chamber orchestras Category:Period-instrument ensembles Category:Musical groups established in 1973 Category:Organizations based in London