Tuesday 24 September 2013

The Academy of Ancient Music - 40th Anniversary Message from Music Director Richard Egarr


Looking back on 40 years of baroque and classical music

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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