Classical Music World Mourns Legendary Conductor Sir Neville Marriner

Earlier today, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields announced the sad news that beloved conductor and legend of the classical music world, Sir Neville Marriner, passed away in his sleep sometime during the early hours of October 2nd. Marriner began his career as a musician, playing the violin in various independent music groups, before joining the London Symphony Orchestra.

Perhaps Marriner's most well-known contribution to the music world, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields began in the 1950s as a group of friends who would gather in Marriner's living room to play together. The original goal for the group was simply to form into a regular chamber group. Today, the Academy possesses one of the largest discographies of classical music worldwide, which is in large part due to a partnership with Marriner, the most recorded conductor in the world, a distinction shared by the Academy's orchestra.

Joshua Bell, the violinist who took over for Marriner as Music Director of the Academy in 2011 released the following statement: "I am deeply saddened by the news of Sir Neville Marriner's passing. He was one of the most extraordinary human beings I have ever known. I will remember him for his brilliance, his integrity, and his humor, both on and off the concert platform. Maestro Marriner will always be the heart and soul of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and we musicians of the orchestra will miss him dearly."

For the Academy's full statement and feature on Sir Marriner, visit http://www.asmf.org/sir-neville-marriner/.