The Academy of Ancient Music
Established 1973
How it all began
Thirty years ago, interest in historically-informed performance was just starting to develop. Christopher Hogwood gathered together a band of similarly inquisitive musicians and The Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) was born, a pioneer in the period-instrument movement. Joining forces with Decca, AAM made what was to become the first of over 250 recordings: Thomas Arne?s Overtures.
Pivotal moments
? 1978: the AAM starts to record the complete Mozart symphonies, being the first period-instrument orchestra to do so and discovering 70 symphonies in the process, as opposed to the ?usual? 41.
? 1984: First AAM tour of the USA. Since then, AAM has undertaken 17 tours to the USA, giving nearly 150 concerts.
? 1996: Christopher Hogwood opens up the artistic direction of AAM by inviting Andrew Manze and Paul Goodwin as co-directors.
The organisation today
This 30th anniversary season marks the start of the next stage in the development of AAM?s artistic direction, with invitations to a variety of guest conductors and instrumental directors, including Giuliano Carmignola, Richard Egarr, Stephen Layton, Pavlo Beznosiuk, Masaaki Suzuki and Paul Daniel.
A big thank you to?
? Christopher Hogwood not only for founding the organisation but also for continuing to support it in so many ways.
? Decca Record Company for helping to create a recorded legacy of such depth and breadth.
? Arts Council England for helping The AAM to perform more regularly in front of
UK audiences.
Celebration events being planned
The whole 2003-2004 season is branded as the 30th Anniversary Season, with an anniversary concert at St John?s, Smith Square, London on November 27.