The Academy Bicentenary Series

The Royal Academy of Music has partnered with Linn Records to produce a special recording series featuring recipients of the Academy’s prestigious Bicentenary Scholarships scheme. Initiated as part of the celebrations leading up to the Academy's 200th anniversary, the series highlights exceptional young talent, including inaugural scheme recipients Anna Geniushene (piano), Claudia Lucia Lamanna (harp), Emily Nebel (violin) and Yoanna Prodanova (cello).

Over the years, Linn and the Academy have collaborated to produce outstanding recordings of highly talented young performers, notably in a acclaimed series under Academy staff members Trevor Pinnock CBE, the late Oliver Knussen CBE and Reinhold Friedrich.  

The Academy’s Principal, Professor Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, said: ‘Our ongoing relationship with Linn reflects a collaborative ideal of exposing the very best young musicians to the unique artistic challenges and opportunities of the studio within an educational context. The production values of Linn are second to none and that means the results are especially exciting for these young musicians, who deserve to sound as good as they are.’  

Linn’s Chief Producer, Philip Hobbs, stated: ‘Many years ago I had the privilege to work on a number of recordings in the EMI ‘Debut’ series, which was a wonderful launchpad for young artists and many of them have gone on to become household names. I hope that this series, which features the ‘best of the best’ from one of the UK’s finest musical institutions, will carry on in very much the same tradition and give us the opportunity to hear these hugely talented young performers at the start of what I’m sure will be lengthy careers.’