Uploaded November 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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The Academy of Ancient Music is delighted to announce the appointment of Laurence Cummings as Music Director from the 2021-22 season. One of Britain's most exciting and versatile exponents of historical performance both as a conductor and a harpsichord player, Cummings is a noted authority on Handel, The Guardian lauding him as “one of the composer’s best advocates in the world".

AAM Chief Executive John McMunn comments: “Laurence Cummings is acclaimed for his virtuosity at the keyboard, the energy and verve he brings to the concert platform as a director, and for his staunch advocacy for the historical-performance of baroque and classical music. I can think of no better musician to take the baton from Richard Egarr as AAM approaches its 50th anniversary in 2023.”

Laurence Cummings comments: “I’m delighted to join with the Academy of Ancient Music to develop what the orchestra already has, to explore this wonderful repertoire that we all love with such a passion, and hopefully to reveal something new and fresh to the modern ear.”

AAM Chair Philip Jones comments: “We are tremendously excited to welcome Laurence as our Music Director designate. Laurence’s scintillating performances and direction are well-known, both to our audiences in London and Cambridge, and around the globe. I very much look forward to working with him over the coming years as we continue to explore, reveal and preserve the great treasure house of baroque and classical music.”

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Filming: Simon Wall with TallWall Media

Location: Handel & Hendrix in London

We are grateful to The Handel House Trust for their generous support of this film.

© Academy of Ancient Music 2020