Last Updated on December 10, 2025
An Exuberant Celebration for Marriner100
An iconic figure in British classical music, Sir Neville Marriner is best known as a conductor, but his work extends further as a violinist, musicologist and historian. Founded by Sir Neville in 1958, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields gained international recognition for precision, energy and stylistic authenticity with historically informed performances at the heart of the orchestra’s work and with a focus on player-led music. A short series of concerts to celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday offered the opportunity to showcase how his work carries on to this day.
The first in the series, at St Martin in the Fields was a genuinely exuberant celebration. The ensemble’s spiritual home is one I know well from singing in the church choir there and was the perfect setting to remember this most English of conductors – there’s a small exhibition in the crypt so you can learn more about his life and contribution to British music.
Handel Concerto Grosso in B flat was directed by Tomo Keller from the principal violin’s seat. A work which really suited the acoustic of the venue, the orchestra played brilliantly. A stunning oboe solo, great dynamic contrast and careful articulation and ornamentation made this a work that epitomised Marriner’s approach to the baroque.
Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis was one of Marriner’s favourite works and was again directed by Tomo Keller from the principal violin’s seat. It’s one of my own favourites too – a special memory for me as I believe it was part of the first orchestral concert I took part in with the local county youth orchestra. Needless to say, we were not left to the mercy of our leader but had a conductor holding the two orchestras together – while here, it was a great example of the Academy’s almost organic performances when directed by their leader. It’s a wonderful work that engulfs the audience in sublime and lyrical music. With excellent dynamics from the main string orchestra and a haunting offstage quartet, it was tear-jerkingly beautiful. A few out-of-synch pizzicato moments but otherwise impeccable performance with stunning solos from the section leaders.
For the next work in the programme, Mozart Symphony 25 in G minor K183, the orchestra was joined by Joshua Bell, directing from the leader’s seat and by a collection of brass and woodwind. A dynamic performance, I was impressed by the cohesive playing. It was an Amadeus moment, the spirit of Mozart seemed to fill the church with Bell enthusiastically leading the orchestra into a fast-paced yet controlled performance.
After the interval, we were treated to a world premiere written especially for the celebrations. Errolyn Wallen’s Parade is, in her own words
‘A showcase for every section of this much-admired orchestra with affectionate nods to the classical, baroque and romantic era.’
The complex rhythmic structure, dramatic dissonances and stunning intertwining of solo passages from different sections of the orchestra made this a real exhibition of virtuosity.
With the orchestra directed by conductor Jaime Martin, it was the perfect ‘Happy Birthday’ moment and I am sure Sir Neville would have revelled in the tribute.
Finally, Alumni from the Academy Chorus and St Martin Voices, together with soloists Matthew Rose, Sarah-Jane Brandon and Benjamin Hulett performed Haydn – Suite from The Creation, Hob XX1:2. Formed in 1974, the Chorus of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields was formed with László Heltay as chorus master. For 25 years the choir partnered with the orchestra, touring and recording many classics with major soloists. Now the dedicated chorus is no more and the orchestra works with independent choral groups and with a small professional choir, St Martin’s Voices.
Directed by Jaime Martin, it was a splendid performance of a work that encapsulates Marriner’s vision. Beautifully articulated solos and a stunningly powerful choir with that purity of tone and clear diction which typified the Academy chorus. The orchestra was the perfect complement with a fantastic dynamic range and cohesive playing.
I particularly enjoyed Benjamin Hulett’s tender and sustained vocals and word painting. Matthew Rose, who we last saw making his role debut as Wotan at ENO, has a fine range with stunning lower notes and Sarah-Jane Brandon was an excellent match, with a lyrical upper range that rang through the church. Lowry Bufton, from St Martin’s Voices, joined as soloist in the last movement and blended perfectly with her tenor counterpart.
For more about Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, please see their website
If you’d like to hear the concert yourself , the BBC broadcast is available on BBC Sounds from this link
St Martin-in-the-Fields,
Trafalgar Sq,
London WC2N 4JJ
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