ASMF & Bayer STARTACADEMY
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, one of the UK’s most celebrated orchestras, today announces a new international partnership with Bayer’s stARTacademy, launching in 2027. The collaboration strengthens ASMF’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent while reinforcing its long-standing artistic relationship with Germany, one of the orchestra’s most important international touring destinations.
The partnership focuses on the development of outstanding young musicians. Selected stARTacademy artists will work closely with ASMF during an intensive rehearsal period, culminating in a joint performance.
Rising Star Anja Mittmüller launches the programme in May
To kick the program off, we’re especially excited to welcome rising mezzo-soprano Anja Mittermüeller. Through the new collaboration process, she will be the first to gain direct experience of ASMF’s distinctive player-led approach in intensive rehearsals, working alongside musicians renowned for their collaborative ethos and close artistic relationships with leading soloists.
The collaboration builds on Bayer’s stARTacademy’s proven success in nurturing emerging talent across disciplines, providing a platform for young artists to grow, experiment and gain visibility on national and international stages.
Mentorship and international scouting
Alongside performance opportunities, ASMF will play an active role in the international scouting and selection of future stARTacademy artists with Christoph Boehmke of Bayer Arts and Culture. This reflects the orchestra’s long-held belief in sustained mentorship and artistic partnership, and its track record of supporting young soloists at a pivotal stage in their careers, including through a new partnership with the BBC New Generation Artist programme, partnerships with London conservatoires and the recent launch of a fellowship scheme for emerging musicians.
“Talent development sits at the heart of our social purpose as an orchestra. Whether through our work with young soloists, emerging orchestral musicians, or community partners, we aim to create environments where people feel supported, challenged and connected. This partnership with Bayer’s stARTacademy allows us to extend that work internationally, while remaining firmly grounded in our values of mentorship, collaboration, and shared learning.”— Annie Lydford, Chief Executive of ASMF
“Supporting outstanding musicians at the outset of their careers has been a consistent part of ASMF’s identity. Through this partnership with stARTacademy, it’s a pleasure to welcome and work together with Anja Mittermueller.— Richard Harwood, ASMF Principal Cello
Such partnerships are mutually beneficial and we look forward to enjoying wonderful musical collaborations and cultural exchange over the coming years.”
“I’m thrilled to have been selected as a stARTacademy scholarship recipient by Bayer. This support means a lot to me, especially since it involves working with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields – an orchestra I’ve long admired with huge enthusiasm.”— Anja Mittmüller, stARTacademy scholarship recipient
“We are very pleased to be working with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields as part of the stARTacademy. Their dedication to artistic excellence, collaboration and the development of young talent makes them an ideal partner as we continue to support emerging artists and encourage international creative exchange. It means a lot to us to embark on this unique collaboration together with the exceptionally talented rising star Anja Mittermueller.”— Christoph Boejmke, Bayer Arts and Culture
Building on connections
The partnership also builds on ASMF’s long-standing relationship with Germany, a country the orchestra has toured more than any other British orchestra. Over many decades, ASMF has developed strong artistic and audience connections across Germany. As part of this collaboration, the orchestra will present a special concert involving community music-making with local amateur musicians. This makes the collaboration with Bayer’s flagship cultural programme a natural extension of this shared cultural history.
The collaboration was initiated following ASMF’s appearance at Bayer’s annually held stARTfestival in Germany, where the orchestra’s artistic approach and commitment to nurturing talent closely aligned with the principles of the stARTacademy. Together, ASMF and Bayer aim to support emerging artists through long-term artistic partnership, an international perspective and a shared belief in music as a powerful force for connection and community.
