About Us

ASMF has evolved into a musical powerhouse, an orchestra renowned across the world for its commitment to the musical freedom of its players and the sharing of joyful, inspiring performances.

Our Mission

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields believes creative empowerment improves lives. Through the creative freedom of its musicians it shares joyful, inspiring performances and delivers meaningful social impact

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is one of the world’s finest orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music.

Founded in 1958 by Sir Neville Marriner, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields has evolved into a musical powerhouse, an orchestra renowned across the world for its commitment to the musical freedom of its players and the sharing of joyful, inspiring performances.

Today, with Music Director Joshua Bell, ASMF’s player-led approach empowers every member of the orchestra. This creates a direct line and electrifying connection between the orchestra and its audiences, resulting in ambitious and collaborative performances that transcend the more traditional conductor-led model.

The Chamber Ensemble

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble was created in 1967 to perform the larger chamber works – from quintets to octets – with players who customarily work together.

Musician Profiles

Find out about the amazing individual musicians who make up the members of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Joshua Bell – Music Director

With a career spanning over thirty years as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, conductor and director, our Music Director Joshua Bell is one of the most celebrated violinists of his era.

Tomo Keller – Director/Leader

Director/Leader of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Tomo Keller is a much sought-after orchestral leader, soloist, teacher and recording artist.

Murray Perahia – Principal Artist

American pianist Murray Perahia has become one of the most sought-after and cherished pianists of our time.

Guest Artist Collaborators

Meet the wonderful artists we are working with this 2024-25 season.

Academy Staff

Meet the dedicated administrative team members of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Marriner Projects

First new Marriner Projects announced

The Choral Era

The Chorus of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields was formed in 1974 with Laszlo Heltay as director in a partnership with Sir Neville Marriner lasting over 25 years

Boards of Directors & International Advisory Board

The Boards and Advisory Boards of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and of the American Friends. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marie-Anne…

Our history

Formed by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958 from a group of leading London musicians, the Academy gave its first performance in its namesake church in…

In 2025/26, ASMF presents more than 100 concerts, in its most ambitious season to date. Its London season commences with a performance by ASMF BBC New Generation Associate Julius Asal, and touring performances with Jan Lisiecki. This season includes three new commissions by Sally Beamish, Huw Watkins and Eleanor Alberga, as well as the UK premiere of Kevin Puts’s Earth.

Beyond the concert hall, ASMF’s commitment to a social purpose manifests in impactful projects that harness the power of music to empower people. The orchestra have a longstanding history of work which connects with people experiencing homelessness, and its education projects develop autonomy and creativity among emerging musicians worldwide.

ASMF’s collective artistic responsibility fosters enduring collaborations with world-renowned soloists, exemplified by a 15-year partnership with Music Director and virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell. These collaborations showcase the benefits of trust and true artistic collaboration developed over time.
Building on its rich global legacy, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields remains one of the world’s most-recorded orchestras, igniting a love for classical music in people around the world through live performance and digital initiatives.

Today, ASMF continue a busy international touring programme alongside a significant presence in the UK – making the orchestra one of the country’s most celebrated cultural exports.

Find out more about supporting the work of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields at asmf.org/support

Sir Neville Marriner

Sir Neville Marriner (15 April 1924 – 2 October 2016) – Founder, Director and President of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Marriner100

We celebrated the centenary of our founder Sir Neville Marriner in April 204 with an exciting series of concerts, premieres, events and an exhibition.

About Us

Our Mission

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