Sir Neville Marriner says that the small ensemble he founded in 1958 “had no intention of giving any concerts or continuing forever.” Happily, whatever the initial intention, the Academy is firmly established more than 50 years later as one of the world’s leading chamber orchestras. Formed from a group of London musicians and working without a conductor, the Academy gave its first performance in its namesake church in November 1959. For its first UMS appearance in 11 years, the Academy brings its highly lauded sound to an exquisite all-Beethoven program. Superstar violinist Joshua Bell attacks the stunning Beethoven Concerto with his breathtaking virtuosity and sumptuous tone and leads the rest of the program from the concertmaster’s chair.

Joshua Bell and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will receive the 2012 UMS Distinguished Artist Award in a brief ceremony as part of their season-ending concert. The day also includes a Gala event, including the presentation of the DTE Energy Foundation Educator and School of the Year Awards, to raise funds for UMS’s Education and Community Engagement Programs. Tickets for the concert are available now; information about purchasing tickets for the Gala will be available later this fall.

Program
· Beethoven : Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 (1807)
· Beethoven : Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 (1806)
· Beethoven : Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 (1811-12)