“One of the regular delights at the Royal Academy of Music are the monthly midday Sunday concerts where students, over a period of years, perform all the cantatas of Bach. These works are amongst the jewels of Western music and the performances there are becoming something of a London cult”

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The Academy was awarded the Association of British Orchestras’ Bronze Charter in 2010, confirming its commitment to best practice in all orchestral activities. The Academy’s busy schedule of chamber music, ensembles and orchestras is administrated by the Concerts Department. Further performance opportunities are offered through Competitions and External Bookings.

Orchestral training is delivered through intensive assignments as well as a range of quick-learn projects, designed to reflect the time-critical rehearsals of professional orchestral life. Distinguished conductors such as Sir Colin Davis, Sir Mark Elder, Susanna Mälkki, Tadaaki Otaka, Trevor Pinnock, Leif Segerstam, Yan Pascal Tortelier and Thierry Fischer visit regularly to work with Academy orchestras. Special orchestral and ensemble projects are also devised by Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Visiting Professor.

Royal Academy Opera productions give orchestral students valuable experience of this important area of work, teaching them the particular skills required in the opera pit. Sectional rehearsals for all orchestral projects are led by principal players from London’s major orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Britten Sinfonia, London Mozart Players, London Sinfonietta and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.