Academy of Ancient Music

Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) is an orchestra with a worldwide reputation for excellence in baroque and classical music. Using historically-informed techniques, period-specific instruments and original sources, it brings music vividly to life in committed, vibrant performances.

Established in 1973 to make the first British recordings of orchestral works using original instruments, AAM has released more than 300 albums to date, collecting countless accolades including Classic BRIT, Gramophone and Edison awards. It now records on its own label, AAM Records, and is proud to be the most listened-to period-instrument orchestra online, with over one million monthly listeners on streaming platforms.

Beyond the concert hall, AAM is committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians and music-lovers through its innovative side-by-side learning and participation initiative AAMplify. Working in collaboration with partners at the Guildhall School, London Music Masters, Cambridgeshire Music Hub and others, it reaches thousands of children and young people across primary, secondary and tertiary education each year.

AAM is Associate Ensemble at London’s Barbican Centre and the Teatro San Cassiano, Venice and is Orchestra-in-Residence at the University of Cambridge, Milton Abbey International Summer Music Festival and The Apex, Bury St Edmunds. Music Director Laurence Cummings joined the orchestra in the 2021-2022 season and this year they celebrate their 50th anniversary.