Joshua Bell & Academy of St Martin in the Fields
The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, with Joshua Bell, performs music from across generations to celebrate the centenary of its founder, Sir Neville Marriner.
In the 1980s a generation was turned on to classical music by the film Amadeus, its soundtrack performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields (ASMF). Similarly, a previous generation had discovered Baroque music thanks to ASMF.
The man who opened up all this music to a new audience was Sir Neville Marriner: his groundbreaking player-led, egalitarian orchestra performed the classics with a distinctive crisp, stylish sound, rich tone and brisk tempo.
Excerpts from the soundtrack to Amadeus open this exceptional concert, also featuring special guests who contribute readings, anecdotes and memories of Sir Neville.
Joshua Bell takes the solo spot for Saint-Saëns. Full of fiery flourishes, it’s the perfect showcase for Bell’s stylistic flair, and a reminder of Sir Neville’s own career as a violinist.
Adding a contemporary touch, Grammy Award-winning Vince Mendoza’s concerto has been specially composed to unite Joshua Bell and the jazz drums of Sir Neville’s grandson, Douglas Marriner.
Bringing the concert to a rousing conclusion, Brahms’ sunny, witty second symphony is the perfect metaphor for Sir Neville, who shared his expertise with wit and affection.
Brahms’ musical jokes are hidden within its structure, but the optimism is unmistakable, and the blazing denouement allows a final tribute to Sir Neville.
Performers
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
Joshua Bell director, violin
Tomo Keller director
Douglas Marriner percussion, drums
Sarah-Jane Brandon soprano
Repertoire
Mozart: Overture, The Magic Flute
Mozart: Adagio from Serenade in B flat for wind, K.361 (Gran Partita)
Mozart: Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben from Zaide
Mozart: Overture, Die Entführung aus dem Serail
Saint-Saëns: Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op.28
Vince Mendoza: Concerto for violin, jazz drums & orchestra
Brahms: Symphony No.2
Need to know
For your visit
This event is held at the Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre
The Royal Festival Hall is open six days a week.
Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.
Plan your visit
The Royal Festival Hall is home to our largest auditorium as well as The Clore Ballroom, National Poetry Library, Members’ Lounge, Festival Bar & Kitchen, Ballroom Cafe and Skylon restaurant.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
On Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen which opens out onto our Riverside Terrace. You can grab a coffee and a slice of freshly made cake from our Ballroom Cafe. Or alternatively enjoy destination dining in the restaurant at Skylon.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.