Academy of St Martin in the Fields

The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is an English chamber orchestra. The group was founded in London by Sir Neville Marriner, attracting some of the finest players in London, many of whom considered themselves as refugees from conductors. Its name comes from Trafalgar Square's St Martin in the Fields church, in which its first concert was performed, on November 13, 1959. The initial performances at St Martin's church were as a small, conductorless string group, and played a key role in the revival of baroque performances in England.