Annie Lydford joins the Academy from Nevill Holt Opera, where she has been Managing Director for three
seasons. She will take up the role on 12 September 2022. Prior to that, Annie was Director of Communications
and Marketing at the Creative Industries Federation, and before that Head of Communications at English
National Opera. Annie currently serves on the board of the Buxton International Festival, was a founding board
member of SWAP’ra (the organisation supporting women and parents in Opera) and has been organist and
Director of Music at St Anne’s Church, Soho since 2013.
Annie Lydford said: “The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is an orchestra I’ve loved for years through its
iconic recordings and live concerts. It is an honour to join a team that combines the Academy’s tremendous
legacy with the continuously high musical standards of the orchestra today. I have enjoyed meeting and speaking with members of the orchestra and board over the last month, and am looking forward to working with Joshua, Tomo Keller, the players, the management team and the board to ensure that the Academy remains at the forefront of the world’s chamber orchestras. What an exciting time to build on the orchestra’s impressive history while also making sure we’re in a great place to confront the challenges and opportunities of today’s world.”
Simon Haslam, Chair of the Academy, said: “I am really pleased that our extensive search, here in the UK and
internationally, has found Annie Lydford. I and all my board colleagues were very impressed with Annie during
the recruitment process and are very much looking forward to working with her.”
Joshua Bell, Music Director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields said: “I loved meeting Annie during the
search process and hearing about her ideas – I am excited to see the plans that she will develop for the
Academy. I’m looking forward to working with Annie on building the best future for the amazing musicians at
the Academy and exploring what we can create together.”