Announcing our new Chief Execuitive

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is delighted to announce the appointment of Annie Lydford as its new Chief Executive.

Annie Lydford joins the Academy from Nevill Holt Opera, where she has been Managing Director for three seasons. She will take up the role on 12 September 2022. Prior to that, Annie was Director of Communications and Marketing at the Creative Industries Federation, and before that Head of Communications at English National Opera. Annie currently serves on the board of the Buxton International Festival, was a founding board member of SWAP’ra (the organisation supporting women and parents in Opera) and has been organist and Director of Music at St Anne’s Church, Soho since 2013.

Annie Lydford said: “The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is an orchestra I’ve loved for years through its iconic recordings and live concerts.  It is an honour to join a team that combines the Academy’s tremendous legacy with the continuously high musical standards of the orchestra today.

I have enjoyed meeting and speaking with members of the orchestra and board over the last month, and am looking forward to working with Joshua, Tomo Keller, the players, the management team and the board to ensure that the Academy remains at the forefront of the world’s chamber orchestras.  What an exciting time to build on the orchestra’s impressive history while also making sure we’re in a great place to confront the challenges and opportunities of today’s world.”

Simon Haslam, Chair of the Academy, said: “I am really pleased that our extensive search, here in the UK and internationally, has found Annie Lydford.  I and all my board colleagues were very impressed with Annie during the recruitment process and are very much looking forward to working with her.”

Joshua Bell, Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields said: “As Music Director and proud member of the Academy’s musical family, I am delighted that Annie Lydford has accepted the position of Chief Executive and I am very much looking forward to working with her. I believe that Annie will help the Academy deliver on exciting new artistic projects and explore new ways to engage with the community.  Under her guidance, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields will strive to be innovative and forward thinking, while continuing to honor the legacy of Sir Neville Marriner and live up to its reputation as one of the most exalted musical institutions in the world.”

For further press information please contact:

Rebecca Driver Media Relations

Tel: 07498 918350

Email: grace@rdmr.co.uk

Web: www.rdmr.co.uk

Photo (c) Angelica Bomford