Academy of St Martin in the Fields with Joshua Bell

Founded in 1958 by Sir Neville Marriner, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields (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.

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 our audiences, resulting in ambitious and collaborative performances that transcend the more traditional conductor-led model.

ASMF’s 2026/27 season will see the orchestra work with many of the world’s most exciting artists in more than 40 cities and across 10 countries. This season celebrates 15 years with Joshua Bell as Music Director, a relationship which continues to shape the orchestra’s artistic identity through touring, recording and performance. The anniversary is marked by international touring, intimate events in London and New York, and a special performance at London’s Cadogan Hall in January 2027. Alongside this, ASMF presents a major London season centred at the Church of St Martin-in-the- Fields, with further performances at venues including the Barbican Centre and the Royal Albert Hall. The orchestra continues to collaborate with leading artists including Joshua Bell, Augustin Hadelich, Alice Sara Ott, Jan Lisiecki, Anastasia Kobekina, Stella Chen, Eric Lu, Sterling Elliott and Timothy Ridout. ASMF maintains a significant presence in the United States throughout the 2026/27 season, including a major tour with pianist and composer Conrad Tao, a highlight of which will see the orchestra returning to New York City in early March 2027. In November 2026, the ASMF Chamber Ensemble returns to the US for a multi-city string ensemble tour. As part of a significant body of work across Europe in the 2026/27 season, ASMF will appear as the first orchestra-in-residence at Germany’s Klavierfestival Ruhr.

Beyond the concert hall, our commitment to social purpose manifests in impactful projects that harness the power of music to empower people. We have a longstanding history of work which connects with people experiencing homelessness, and our education projects develop autonomy and creativity among emerging musicians worldwide. This season we extend our growing programme in London to be delivered in cities around the world, ensuring our touring activity creates meaningful and lasting connections within the communities we visit.

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, we continue a busy international touring programme alongside a significant presence in the UK – making ASMF one of the country’s most visible and celebrated cultural ambassadors.

The position of the Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields is generously supported by the Berry Charitable Foundation. ASMF’s work in the USA is kindly supported by the American Friends of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields (President, Maria Cardamone).