Event
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
Visiting Orchestras Series
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
Joshua Bell, music director and violin
Rossini — Overture to The Barber of Seville
Mendelssohn — Violin Concerto in E Minor
Schumann — Symphony No. 2
Hailing from London, globally renowned chamber orchestra Academy of St Martin in the Fields once again graces the Hayes Hall stage to enthrall the audience with an evening of pure musical brilliance. Led by violin virtuoso and Music Director Joshua Bell, this highly anticipated performance showcases Mendelssohn’s deeply emotive Violin Concerto, with Bell himself taking the stage as both soloist and leader. The orchestra further delights the senses with Schumann’s triumphant Second Symphony, a masterwork of jubilant melodies and rich orchestral textures. Set out with Bell and the orchestra on a musical journey of passion and triumph as the extraordinary ensemble demonstrates their artistry and steals the hearts of all in attendance.
Music and Museum
All Visiting Orchestras tickets include same-day admission to the The Baker Museum. Special museum hours on day of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields performance: Noon-7pm. In addition, the doors to Hayes Hall will open 60 minutes prior to this performance. Arrive early to enjoy the exhibitions and light fare available at Heidi's Place.
The Visiting Orchestras series is generously sponsored by Judy and Verne Istock.
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields (ASMF) is one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music. Formed by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958 from a group of leading London musicians, the ASMF gave its first performance in its namesake church in November 1959. Through unrivalled live performances and a vast recording output — highlights of which include the 1969 bestseller Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and the soundtrack to the Oscar-winning film Amadeus — the orchestra gained an enviable international reputation for its distinctive, polished and refined sound. With over 500 releases in a much-vaunted discography and a comprehensive international touring program, the name and sound of the ASMF is known and loved by classical audiences throughout the world.
Today, the orchestra is led by Music Director and virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell, retaining the collegiate spirit and flexibility of the original small, conductor-less ensemble that has become an ASMF hallmark. Under Bell’s direction, and with the support of Leader/Director Tomo Keller and Principal Guest Conductor Murray Perahia, the ensemble continues to push the boundaries of player-directed performance to new heights, presenting symphonic repertoire and chamber music on a grand scale at prestigious venues around the globe.
Joshua Bell
Joshua Bell
With a career spanning almost four decades, Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell is one of the most celebrated artists of his era. Bell has performed with virtually every major orchestra in the world, and continues to maintain engagements as soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, conductor and as the music director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.
Bell’s highlights in the 2023-24 season include an international tour of his newly commissioned project, The Elements, featuring works by renowned living composers. The work receives premiere performances with the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Hong Kong Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Seattle Symphony. Bell released his new album on Sony Classical, Butterfly Lovers, in summer 2023. Bell also leads the Academy of St Martin in the Fields on tour in Australia and throughout the United States.
Bell has been nominated for six Grammy Awards, was named “Instrumentalist of the Year” by Musical America, deemed a “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum, received the Avery Fisher Prize and was named an "Indiana Living Legend" in 2000. He has performed for three American presidents and the justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Program Book
Program Book
View this month's program book to get general information about Artis—Naples and to read articles about this month’s activities. View the program insert* for specific information about this event.
Program Book
Program Insert
* Program inserts will be available online approximately ten days prior to the event.
