We are delighted to announce that Music Director Joshua Bell’s contract has been extended until 2023. The news was first announced at our Gala concert at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on Tuesday 12 November.
As one of the world’s most celebrated violinists and a renowned figure on the international concert stage, Bell has led the Academy as Music Director since 2011. He is only the second person to hold the title, succeeding Academy founder Sir Neville Marriner, who held the role from the orchestra’s formation in 1958 until 2011, when he was named Life President. Bell’s appointment cemented a long and acclaimed partnership with the Academy which began in 1998, when Bell was 21 years old, with their first collaboration, Bell’s first concerto recordings of Bruch and Mendelssohn, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner.
Joshua Bell said: ‘I’m truly thrilled to be extending my contract as Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields for another three seasons. Since the start of my tenure in 2011, the Academy has been my musical family, and each time we see each other it feels like both a homecoming and the start of a new adventure. I’m already looking forward to many more exciting concerts and tours around the world with this incredible orchestra.’
Alan Watt, Chief Executive of Academy of St Martin in the Fields comments: ‘Since joining the Academy as Music Director in 2011, Joshua Bell has led the Academy on an exciting musical journey and on behalf of the Academy – our musicians, staff and board – I’m delighted that today we are announcing his contract extension. I’m thrilled that we’ll be continuing our close collaboration with this extraordinary musician into 2023 and look forward to inspiring new audiences around the world together.’