Still conducting into his 90s, the indefatigable founder of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields has passed away.

Sir Neville Marriner, one of the world’s leading conductors and the founder of the influential chamber orchestra the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, died peacefully in his sleep on October 2. Sir Neville continued to conduct into his 90s, leading the Academy in a 90th birthday concert featuring the music of Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Elgar in April 2014. He conducted his final concert with the Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto last Thursday, only two days before his death.

^{Sir Neville Marriner. Photo courtesy of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields}

The Academy’s Music Director Joshua Bell said, “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 humour, 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...