The Academy of St Martin in the Fields (ASMF) celebrates the centenary of its founder – Lincoln-born violinist and conductor Sir Neville Marriner – with a concert of music in the stunning surroundings of Lincoln Cathedral.
Recognised as one of the world’s greatest ever conductors, Neville Marriner was born in Lincoln and attended Lincoln School where his passion for music of all genres was nurtured. In 1958 he founded the ground-breaking Academy of St Martin in the Fields ensemble with musicians of the highest calibre and together they revolutionised the classical music scene, with Marriner conducting and playing lead violin in unrivalled live performances and across a vast discography. The acclaimed partnership between Marriner and the ASMF is possibly the most recorded pairing in classical music.
This concert of glorious music celebrates Sir Neville and his legacy. The programme reflects Marriner’s early championing of Baroque music, with Handel’s elegant Concerto Grosso Op.3, No.2 as the perfect concert opener. It was the work chosen for the ASMF’s first BBC Prom in 1965 – also the work’s ‘Proms premiere’. Another composer with whom Neville Marriner and the ASMF are indelibly linked is Mozart: Marriner was Music Supervisor for the much-admired film Amadeus and he conducted the ASMF on the soundtrack. His musical choices provided the alchemy to the film – the allegro to Symphony No. 25 adding a sinister underlay to the unfolding rivalry between Mozart and Salieri. Revel in the genius of composer and orchestra in a live performance of this classical favourite in the surroundings of Lincoln’s medieval masterpiece.
Turning to something more Romantic, a Marriner favourite was Vaughan Williams’ ever-popular Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. This evocative work showcases the orchestra’s unrivalled string sound. Marriner’s recording is acknowledged as one of the best, and this concert will be an opportunity to enjoy the orchestra’s 21st century interpretation under the direction of ASMF leader Tomo Keller.
The ASMF continues the proud legacy of Sir Neville and is acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest orchestras. This exceptional concert in Lincoln Cathedral will pay tribute to this giant of classical music in his home town, with the music he loved and admired.
Director/Leader: Tomo Keller
PROGRAMME TO INCLUDE:
Handel: Concerto Grosso in B flat, Op.3, No.2
Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Mozart: Symphony 25 in G minor, K.183
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Errollyn Wallen: PARADE – New commission
Haydn: Symphony 104 ‘London’ in D major