Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble

Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble

Details

The world’s finest chamber orchestra returns for a special matinee concert experience featuring Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet K581, a masterpiece shimmering with beauty and joy.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble was created in 1967 to perform the larger chamber works with players who customarily worked together, instead of the usual string quartet with additional guests.

Drawn from the principal players of the orchestra and led by violinist Tomo Keller, the Chamber Ensemble performs in all shapes and sizes, from string quintets to octets, and in various other configurations featuring winds. 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 thirty CDs.

Melbourne Recital Centre is delighted to welcome the orchestra back to Elisabeth Murdoch Hall for three exquisite concerts this October, including an intimate matinee concert experience featuring the Chamber Ensemble front and centre.

Director of Programming, Marshall McGuire tells us more

‘Consistently voted one of the world’s favourite classical works – and a particular favourite of Melbourne Recital Centre’s founding patron Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, this is music of not just refinement, but great beauty, not just perfect in form but bursting with some of the most glorious melodies ever written. This is the only chamber performance from the Academy Chamber Players on their Australian tour, and one not to be missed.’

ASMF also perform two evening concerts, which you can discover more about here.

Thanks to our supporters

This presentation of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields with Joshua Bell, is generously supported by the Signature Event Circle: Robert Peck AM, Yvonne von Hartel AM, Rachel Peck and Marten Peck of peckvonhartel architects (Signature Event Benefactors), Jim Cousins AO and Libby Cousins AM, Andrew Wheeler AM and Jan Wheeler, Cathy Simpson and John Simpson AM, Igor Zambelli, Di Bresciani and Lino Bresciani, and Alex King.

Caring for Our Community

Melbourne Recital Centre is committed to the safety of our artists, staff and patrons. A range of public health, hygiene and physical distancing measures are currently in place. Click here to learn more.

Artists & Program

Artists

Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble

Please note Joshua Bell will not be performing as part of this matinee concert.

Program

Jean Françaix
Wind Quartet

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Clarinet Quintet in A, K.581

Reviews

‘They were able to display their world-famous versatility in all its glory, sounding both like a symphonic orchestra and like a chamber ensemble at different times, and laying an exhilarating performance before an audience that could have easily started singing along in their enthusiasm.’ – Bachtrack

‘The Academy of St Martin in the Fields has been a shining light in the music world for decades, and their brilliance continues to shine to this day. Under the dynamic and inspired leadership of Joshua Bell, any performance by this outstanding group is guaranteed to be exhilarating. Their last performances at Melbourne Recital Centre in 2017 are vividly remembered by the sellout audience – the opportunity to hear them live again this year is a gift to Melbourne audiences.’ – Marshall McGuire, Director of Programming

Venue