Founded in 1958 by Sir Neville Marriner, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields has evolved into a musical powerhouse, an orchestra renowned across the world for its commitment to the musical freedom of its players and the sharing of joyful, inspiring performances.  

Today, with Music Director Joshua Bell, ASMF’s player-led approach empowers every member of the orchestra. This creates a direct line and electrifying connection between the orchestra and our audiences, resulting in ambitious and collaborative performances that transcend the more traditional conductor-led model. 

ASMF will present its most ambitious season of the last decade in 2025/26 continuing to collaborate with the world’s great soloists and directors, including Music Director Joshua Bell (including London’s Cadogan Hall in January 2026), Jan Lisiecki, Steven Isserlis, Arthur & Lucas Jussen, Elena Urioste and Khatia Buniatishvili alongside exciting rising stars such as Arielle Beck. The orchestra also embarks on its most significant international season of the last decade, including four tours to the US, ASMF’s return after 20 years to NYC’s Carnegie Hall and four separate tours to countries across Europe.

ASMF welcomes the second year of its partnership as Principal Orchestral Partner at the Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields with a season of concerts launching with a BBC Radio 3-broadcast performance with the inaugural ASMF BBC New Generation Associate Julius Asal. Further concerts include a celebration of the film Amadeus, the world premiere of a new symphony from Eleanor Alberga, and a celebration of the 70^th birthday of composer and former ASMF orchestra member and Composer-in-Residence Sally Beamish.

Beyond the concert hall, our commitment to a social purpose manifests in impactful projects that harness the power of music to empower people. We have a longstanding history of work which connects with people experiencing homelessness, and our education projects develop autonomy and creativity among emerging musicians worldwide. This season we extend our growing programme in London to be delivered in cities around the world. 

Our collective artistic responsibility fosters enduring collaborations with world-renowned soloists, exemplified by our 15-year partnership with Music Director and virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell. These collaborations showcase the benefits of trust and true artistic collaboration developed over time.  

Building on its rich global legacy, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields remains one of the world’s most-recorded orchestras, igniting a love for classical music in people around the world through live performance and digital initiatives. Today, we continue a busy international touring programme alongside a significant presence in the UK – making us one of the country’s most celebrated cultural exports.