The Course
Historical Performance at the Academy offers intensive training in all aspects of historically-informed interpretation. Specialist training combines with a full involvement in Academy life, expanding performance possibilities for ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ instrumentalists and singers alike. Principal-study tuition is provided on ‘period’ instruments, and contemporary players are encouraged to learn a period instrument. For singers, interpretation classes, coaching and performance opportunities are available in earlier repertoire.
Two baroque orchestras — one a period instrument ensemble, the other a modern instrument group which performs in a style appropriate to its repertoire — regularly rehearse and perform. The Royal Academy of Music / Kohn Foundation Bach Cantatas series, performed on period instruments, is one of the most spectacular and demanding projects ever undertaken by a conservatoire.
Classes in specialised areas of performance practice (including national styles, tuning systems, ornamentation, compositional techniques, continuo disciplines and dance) are offered by teachers who are active as soloists and in leading period instrument ensembles.
The Academy is custodian to many fine instruments that have been restored for period performance, including violins by Stainer, Jacobs and Klotz, and which are available for students. The Becket Collection of classical instruments made in Britain during the mid-to-late 18th and early 19th centuries is used for orchestral projects and chamber music, and has been kindly loaned to the Academy by Elise Becket Smith, along with the Vivaldi Project of Venetian baroque string instruments. The Academy also boasts a comprehensive library of rare manuscripts and editions.
Mainstream students are actively encouraged to take up Historical Performance as a second study.
‘The Academy’s orchestra sounded wonderfully zingy and spry under Laurence Cummings’
The Times, November 2006
Past Students
Elizabeth Kenny (1990), lute
Jane Rogers (1991), viola
Ashley Solomon (1991), recorder
Alison McGillivray (1995), cello
Matthew Wadsworth (1997), lute
Rodolfo Richter (1999), violin
Matthew Truscott (1999), violin
Joseph Crouch (2000), cello
Richard Sweeney (2001), lute
Sarah McMahon (2001), cello
Sarah Moffatt (2002), violin
Sarah Sexton (2002), violin
Huw Daniel (2003), violin
Alfonso Leal Del Ojo (2004), viola
2009 - 2010 Highlights
> A second year of sell-out performances in the Royal Academy of Music / Kohn Foundation Bach Cantatas series
> Saul at Spitalfields Music directed by Laurence Cummings
> Period Instrument Baroque Orchestra (PIBO) at Wigmore Hall directed by Rachel Podger
> Royal Academy Opera productions of Handel’s Semele conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras and Cavalli’s Il Giasone conducted by Jane Glover
> Becket Ensemble in Tetbury directed by Laurence Cummings
> Baroque project at Hatchlands Park, directed by Lisa Beznosiuk
> Masterclasses with Roel Dieltiens, Anner Bylsma, Jed Wentz, Rachel Podger, Daniël Brüggen and Kenneth Gilbert
> Performance classes with Daniël Brüggen, Jed Wentz, Margaret Faultless, Elizabeth Kenny and Ingrid Seifert
> Classical project with Laurence Cummings
> Baroque Dance project with Mary Collins