While studying the clarinet at the Academy in the 1960s, Amelia founded the Nash Ensemble and went on to be its Artistic Director for 60 years, earning it an international reputation for the quality of its musicians and performances. For many years the Academy has had a close relationship with the ensemble, which has given our students opportunities to perform SIDE-BY-SIDE with its musicians in concerts at Wigmore Hall.
Alongside her work with the Nash Ensemble, Amelia also held the roles of Head of Classical Music at the Southbank Centre and Artistic Director of Bath Mozartfest and Bachfest.
In tribute to Amelia, Academy Principal Jonathan Freeman-Attwood writes:
'Amelia’s legacy to music is deeply rooted and truly extraordinary. Through her founding of the Nash Ensemble while a student at the Academy, she produced as many fine commissions and dazzling programmes over the decades as any ensemble in the world. She became a byword for excellence and always pushed to ensure the best for her remarkable ensemble. Her death is an end of an era, but typically she wanted the Nash to thrive and evolve. I always smile at the thought of her infectious enthusiasm and energy and I feel enormous gratitude to her; not least for the opportunities she gave so many Academy students and alumni. We will miss her greatly.'