Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Passion. Precision. An exquisite evening of string music.
2024/25 SeasonBased in London and founded in 1967 by Sir Neville Marriner as the core chamber ensemble of the acclaimed Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields, the ensemble is known for their fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world's greatest orchestral music. This fall they bring their celebrated artistry to Rollins Chapel with a program celebrating both the intimacy and grandeur of string music.
The evening begins with Shostakovich's youthful and poignant Two Pieces for String Octet, Op. 11, followed by Erwin Schulhoff's rich and vibrant Sextet for Strings, and concludes with Mendelssohn's glorious Octet for Strings in E-flat Major, Op. 20, the first of its kind, written by the composer at age 16. "Its youthful verve, brilliance and perfection make it one of the miracles of nineteenth-century music," said music critic Conrad Wilson of the work.
Funded in part by the Aires Family Fund for the Performing Arts and the Marion and Frederick B. Whittemore 1953 Distinguished Artists Series.
The Academy Chamber Ensemble was formed in 1967, drawing its membership from the world-renowned chamber orchestra the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, which was itself founded by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958 and is currently led by Music Director Joshua Bell. The purpose behind the formation of the Chamber Ensemble was to perform the larger-scale chamber music repertoire with players who customarily worked together, instead of the usual string quartet with additional guests. Drawn from the principal players of the orchestra and play-directed by Academy Director/Leader Tomo Keller, the Chamber Ensemble now performs in multiple configurations from wind trios to string octets. Its touring commitments are extensive and include regular tours of Europe and North America, whilst recording contracts with Philips Classics, Hyperion and Chandos have led to the release of over 30 CDs.
The Academy Chamber Ensemble's October 2024 tour of the United States and Canada is supported by Maria Cardamone and Paul Matthews, together with the American Friends of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. The American Friends was founded in 1998 to support the work of the Academy around the world, particularly in the USA. Find out more at www.asmf.org>
2024/25 Season
2024/25 Season
“an ensemble of first-rate musicians, technically superb, generously expressive, and obviously enjoying themselves”
Dallas Morning News
“impressively seamless ensemble”
Chicago Classical Review
Contact Us
Box Office
Box Office Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 12-5 pm
Saturday: 2-5 pm
Open one hour prior to all ticketed events.
Visiting Information
29 College Street
Hanover, NH
Other Information
Located adjacent to the northeast corner of the Dartmouth Green.