The Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) is a renowned British period-instrument orchestra, pioneering historically informed performances of Baroque and Classical music. The ensemble was formed in 1973 by Christopher Hogwood with the intent to explore music from the 17th and 18th centuries as it might have sounded when first performed. The name "Academy of Ancient Music" was borrowed from a previous ensemble of the same name, which had been founded in London in 1726 for the purpose of studying and performing 'old' music—defined initially as works composed at least a century earlier.

Throughout its illustrious history, the Academy of Ancient Music has worked with a roster of distinguished directors and soloists. After Hogwood's tenure, the baton was passed to conductors like Andrew Manze and Richard Egarr, each of whom continued to pursue the AAM's mission of authenticity and excellence. They delve into a repertoire that includes lesser-known masterpieces alongside the celebrated works of composers like Mozart, Haydn, Bach, and Handel, and their discography showcases a dedication to uncovering and revitalizing early music. The orchestra's more recent releases, such as their insightful interpretations of Mozart's Piano Concertos and their rich performances of Bach's St. Matthew Passion, demonstrate their ongoing commitment to bringing historical music into contemporary relevance with both scholarship and musical finesse.

Genres

Baroque Ensemble

British Orchestra

Classical Performance

Historically Informed Performance

Related Artists

The English Concert

The Sixteen

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

Les Arts Florissants

Freiburger Barockorchester

Concerto Köln

The Monteverdi Choir

Il Giardino Armonico

English Chamber Orchestra

English Baroque Soloists

The Tallis Scholars

Collegium Vocale Gent

Latest Release

Academy of Ancient Music - Baroque Landscapes

Academy of Ancient Music•

George Frideric Handel•

Antonio Vivaldi•

Georg Philipp Telemann•

Henry Purcell

Album - 96 Tracks - Released August 7, 2024