Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) has appointed Laurence Cummings as Music Director from the 2021/22 season.
Laurence Cummings is one of Britain’s most exciting and versatile exponents of historical performance both as a conductor and a harpsichord player. A noted authority on Handel, the Guardian has written of him “he now ranks as one of the composer’s best advocates in the world.”
AAM CEO John McMunn comments: “Laurence Cummings is acclaimed for his virtuosity at the keyboard, the energy and verve he brings to the concert platform as a director, and for his staunch advocacy for the historical-performance of baroque and classical music. I can think of no better musician to take the baton from Richard Egarr as AAM approaches its 50th anniversary in 2023.”
Laurence Cummings comments: “I’m delighted to join with the Academy of Ancient Music to develop what the orchestra already has, to explore this wonderful repertoire that we all love with such a passion, and hopefully to reveal something new and fresh to the modern ear.”
AAM Chairman Philip Jones comments: “We are tremendously excited to welcome Laurence as our Music Director designate. Laurence’s scintillating performances and direction are well-known, both to our audiences in London and Cambridge, and around the globe. I very much look forward to working with him over the coming years as we continue to explore, reveal and preserve the great treasure house of baroque and classical music.”
The news comes as AAM returns to live music, with a performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Barbican on 19th December 2020, as part of the Live from the Barbican concert series. Richard Egarr directs a glittering array of soloists Rowan Pierce, Iestyn Davies, Ben Johnson and Ashley Riches in this seasonal classic. The performance will take place in front of a socially distanced audience, subject to government guidelines, and will be streamed online for digital ticket holders.
Academy of Ancient Music appoints new Music Director
Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) has appointed Laurence Cummings as Music Director from the 2021/22 season.
Laurence Cummings is one of Britain’s most exciting and versatile exponents of historical performance both as a conductor and a harpsichord player. A noted authority on Handel, the Guardian has written of him “he now ranks as one of the composer’s best advocates in the world.”
AAM CEO John McMunn comments: “Laurence Cummings is acclaimed for his virtuosity at the keyboard, the energy and verve he brings to the concert platform as a director, and for his staunch advocacy for the historical-performance of baroque and classical music. I can think of no better musician to take the baton from Richard Egarr as AAM approaches its 50th anniversary in 2023.”
Laurence Cummings comments: “I’m delighted to join with the Academy of Ancient Music to develop what the orchestra already has, to explore this wonderful repertoire that we all love with such a passion, and hopefully to reveal something new and fresh to the modern ear.”
AAM Chairman Philip Jones comments: “We are tremendously excited to welcome Laurence as our Music Director designate. Laurence’s scintillating performances and direction are well-known, both to our audiences in London and Cambridge, and around the globe. I very much look forward to working with him over the coming years as we continue to explore, reveal and preserve the great treasure house of baroque and classical music.”
The news comes as AAM returns to live music, with a performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Barbican on 19th December 2020, as part of the Live from the Barbican concert series. Richard Egarr directs a glittering array of soloists Rowan Pierce, Iestyn Davies, Ben Johnson and Ashley Riches in this seasonal classic. The performance will take place in front of a socially distanced audience, subject to government guidelines, and will be streamed online for digital ticket holders.
For the latest programme information, please visit https://www.aam.co.uk/concerts-projects/