Page 41 - ASMF Marriner 100 Coverage Book

We are Five

I look at my father’s legacy from two angles, as a musician and Often, on the management side of our industry, our role is
former member of the Academy, and as a son. The perspectives to be a steward for organisations that existed long before
are different but related, held together by awareness of, and we were born and will long outlive us. For me, the importance
gratitude for, his warmth, energy and dedication. of stewardship is enhanced with the ASMF, having grown up
It’s impossible to ignore his 600 recordings of around as a young musician who loved this orchestra. I have both
400 composers. But he also had a less tangible effect on a personal and a professional desire to ensure that
music-making with his collaborative approach to rehearsals, Neville’s legacy outlasts us all and that the Academy
which still managed to achieve a cohesive result (“his way”!) in continues to flourish and thrive for decades (centuries!)
performance. In 50 years at the helm there was never a hint to come. The aspect of Neville’s legacy founding the
of routine, either in concert or in the studio, and Joshua Bell orchestra which resonates most with me is the way he
and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields carry this spirit of brought together brilliant musician friends who wanted to
freshness forward. make music together away from the controlling and challenging
At home, too, he worked in partnership – with my mother nature of much of the London music scene at that time.
as the first manager of the band, and with the band actually Player autonomy is key, and the empowerment of our
rehearsing in the drawing room. As a youthful observer, I could musicians in their music-making and across all areas of our
not have had a better demonstration of how a strong artistic work is what sets us apart.
vision and staunch collaboration can make for success and We are celebrating Neville’s legacy in 2024 by increasing the
reward, though only in that order and as a by-product of the extent to which our musicians have control, launching our new
core musical objective. “Marriner Projects” initiative where we will fund player-led and
As for the personal legacy, it is as enduring as the music; player-masterminded initiatives. You see it, too, in the way that
there were so many acts of kindness and generosity – this orchestra performs together, with every musician taking an
unheralded and unconditional – to colleagues and friends extraordinary level of responsibility. As one player described it
alike. As a son I enjoyed the discreet support of my musical to me recently – the role is “to create, not to disseminate”. Every
development and, later, the luxury of freedom to enjoy the best single time I have the pleasure of touring with this orchestra,
aspects of music-making in the knowledge that my parents were or hearing them rehearse or perform, I am reminded of how
there for me, should anything go awry. In a world where you are intensely fortunate we are to build upon Neville’s legacy of
only as good as your last concert this was a comfort that is not democratic music-making and share this with audiences around
extended to many jobbing musicians. the world.
He would be thrilled to know that the orchestra and players Annie Lydford
that he loved continue to flourish. Chief Executive, Academy of St Martin in the Fields
Andrew Marriner
Board Member, Academy of St Martin in the Fields

Sir Neville Marinner Photo: Mark Allan

31 Internationalartsmanager.com