Academy of Ancient Music appoints Richard Egarr as successor of Christopher Hogwood
1 May 2006
This month's most exciting news comes from the Academy of Ancient Music (AAM), which has announced the appointment of Richard Egarr as Music Director, to succeed AAM founder Christopher Hogwood.
According to the official press release by the AAM, the appointment takes effect on 1 September 2006, at which point Christopher Hogwood assumes the lifetime title of Emeritus Director. Richard Egarr currently holds the post of Associate Director of the AAM.
Of his appointment, Richard Egarr said: “Christopher Hogwood’s impact with the AAM since its foundation in 1973 has been unique and enormous, reaching huge audiences worldwide with its exploration of Baroque and Classical music on period instruments. I am honoured, delighted and highly excited to have the opportunity to carry on this important work with such a fine organisation. I look forward to leading the AAM for many years to come, building on its position as the UK’s foremost period-instrument orchestra, with exciting programming for both the players and audiences alike.”
A series of Handel recordings under Richard Egarr for Harmonia Mundi USA has already started, with the first release (of the concerti grossi Op.3) planned for early 2007. Richard Egarr’s first season as Music Director includes further Handel recordings, performances in the AAM’s Cambridge and Wigmore Hall seasons, UK and European touring, and a major US tour including an appearance at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Christopher Hogwood welcomed Richard’s elevation to the post of Music Director with the following words: “After 33 years of leading the AAM I am very pleased to hand over the reins to one of the most exceptional talents of the next generation, and in Richard I think we have found the right balance of musicianship and creativity to develop the AAM. I look forward to maintaining my own strong links with the band as Emeritus Director, conducting at least one major project each year.”
Christopher Hogwood undertakes an important Handel opera project over the three years 2007 to 2009, with concert performances of Amadigi, Flavio and Arianna. In addition to Egarr and Hogwood, the AAM will continue to work with its Associate Conductor Paul Goodwin, and a roster of guest directors which includes Pavlo Beznosiuk, Giuliano Carmignola, Stephen Layton and Masaaki Suzuki. Through the leadership of Richard Egarr, the continuing influence of Christopher Hogwood, and the range of artistic input from such guests, the AAM is well placed to continue to flourish throughout the world’s concert halls.
Look here for the AAM's official press release.
The announcement was made live on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show on Sunday 30 April, when Richard Egarr was interviewed by former Associate Director of the AAM, Andrew Manze. You can listen to the show on the web up until 6 May at the BBC Radio 3 website.