We begin our season with the much-acclaimed ASMF Chamber Ensemble, thrilling audiences for decades across the globe. What a treat to have them with us!

Founded in 1958 by Sir Neville Marriner and led today by Music Director Joshua Bell, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields has evolved into a musical powerhouse, an orchestra renowned across the world for its commitment to the musical freedom of its players and the sharing of joyful, inspiring performances.

The ASMF Chamber Ensemble was formed in 1967 to perform the larger-scale chamber music repertoire with outstanding musicians who have a history of working and collaborating closely together. It is now led by ASMF Director/Leader Tomo Keller and draws its membership from the principal players of the internationally acclaimed orchestra the Academy of St Martin in the Fields (ASMF).

Besides Tomo Keller on the violin, the 2025-26 Ensemble includes Harvey de Souza also on the violin, Robert Smissen on the viola, Richard Harwood on the cello, Lynda Houghton on the double bass, Fiona Cross on the clarinet, Julie Price on the bassoon and Stephen Stirling on the French horn.

The Chamber Ensemble now performs in multiple configurations from wind trios to string octets. Its touring commitments are extensive and include regular tours of Europe and North America, whilst recording contracts with Philips Classics, Hyperion, and Chandos have led to the release of over thirty albums.

At 2 pm, hear a preconcert lecture by Oliver Prezant presented courtesy of the Rosalie Heller Annual Memorial Lecture Endowment held by the Los Alamos Community Foundation.