On 17–19 September 1973, Christopher Hogwood gathered together a group of musicians
in a recording studio in London. The Academy of Ancient Music was born.
This week we celebrate our 40th anniversary.
Since 1973 we've made over 300
recordings and performed thousands of concerts across the globe — and so it's been a
difficult task to chose highlights from the past four decades.
But from our complete Mozart symphony cycle (described as "the most important
recording of the 80s") to a 2009 performance of Purcell in a Roman amphitheatre in
Libya, we've compiled some of our favourite moments in a new timeline on our website
(http://www.aam.co.uk/#/40/40.aspx).
Music making depends on three things: composers, musicians and audiences. We're
spoilt for choice in the first two regards. But we also never forget how indebted we
are to you, our audience, for your support and enthusiasm. The past forty years
simply wouldn't have happened without you; we look forward to continuing to make
music with you for many years to come.
Richard Egarr
Music Director
Visit our new timeline on the AAM website (http://www.aam.co.uk/#/40/40.aspx)
PERSPECTIVES
We've also gathered together thoughts on the AAM from a number of people within and
outside the musical world.
Teju Cole, writer and photographer:
“I first became aware of a certain aural magic when I heard the AAM about fifteen
years ago. The hairpin turns reminded me of a classic car racing along country
roads, all exhilaration and control..."
Tim West, actor:
“If I were asked to find something to criticise about the Academy of Ancient Music,
it could only be its name. There is nothing rigidly Academic about their approach,
nor is their Music essentially Ancient: I have heard them play Mendelssohn with the
same intelligent, loving care that they give to Corelli. What distinguishes their
concerts is their desire to communicate, in presentation and performance, their
affection and respect for pieces which very often audiences are hearing for the
first time.”
- Read further perspectives and add your own
(http://www.aam.co.uk/#/40/perspectives.aspx)
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