Around the Music Festival

Violinist Joshua Bell has extended his contract with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra, where he serves as music director. Bell has held the position since 2011, and the contract renewal extends his term until August 2028.

Bell, 56, a native of Bloomington, S.C., was known as a child prodigy at the age of 14 when he performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Riccardo Muti, and made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1985 with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Since then, he has performed with major orchestras and conductors around the world.

The Saint Martin’s College Orchestra was founded in 1959 by conductor Neville Marriner. Marriner served as Music Director until 1978, and since then has been joined by Iona Brown, Kenneth Sillito, Murray Perahia, and others.

图片：Academy of St Martin in the Fields