Chief Executive Officer
The Academy of Ancient Music seeks a world-class arts leader as Chief Executive.
The CEO will lead an orchestra that sets the benchmark for the performance of baroque and
classical music. The AAM has ambitious plans for its 40th anniversary in 2013-14 and beyond, and
for the right candidate this represents a tremendous opportunity to shape the future of one of the
world’s great orchestras.
Introducing the Academy of Ancient Music
“The finest period-instrument orchestra in the world” (Classic FM, 2012)
“Transmitting the kick of an energy drink” (Financial Times, 2012)
The Academy of Ancient Music exists to enrich people’s lives with historically-informed baroque
and classical music at the highest international standard in live performance, on record and through
educational work. Since its establishment by Christopher Hogwood in 1973 it has given concerts on
every continent except Antarctica, and has won countless awards for over 300 recordings. Our
Music Director Richard Egarr succeeded Christopher Hogwood in 2006. In 2012 we became
Associate Ensemble at the Barbican Centre.
The AAM performs between 60 and 70 concerts a year in London, in Cambridge, and on tour in the
UK and abroad. As well as working with an outstanding group of guest artists, it has a roster of the
world’s leading period-performance musicians who work freelance, a permanent staff of nine and a
budget of close to £2m per annum. The AAM has recently established AAM Records, its in-house
record label, to build on a distinguished catalogue of recordings made with Harmonia Mundi, EMI
and Decca. Meanwhile the AAMplify new generation scheme, established in 2010, works to develop
the audiences, musicians and arts managers of the future.
This year the AAM marks its 40th anniversary, and gives its first full season as Associate Ensemble
at the Barbican Centre – whose new concert hall at Milton Court opens this October. The orchestra
will collaborate with Andreas Scholl, Richard Tognetti and Alina Ibragimova, begin a cycle of
Monteverdi operas, release the first of its Bach Passion recordings and tour extensively in Europe
and Australia. AAM Records releases its first CD this November, with several others scheduled for
release over the coming months.
The AAM enjoys an enviable mix of funding – from public sources, from private donors and from
trusts and foundations. Our work was funded solely through the generous support of committed
AAM Society members until 2011, when we secured regular funding from Arts Council England for
the first time. This funding, worth over half a million pounds between 2012 and 2015, is a signal
achievement in a climate of reduced public subsidy.
The role of Chief Executive
The role
The Chief Executive leads the AAM in all aspects of its work, executing the strategy agreed with the
Board and the Music Director.
As CEO you will have to get the best out of a committed staff involved in orchestral management,
communications and fundraising. You will have to work closely with some of the world’s leading
musicians, guest directors, conductors, singers and musicians.
You will have ultimate responsibility for expanding the Academy of Ancient Music’s concert, touring
and recording programme, and for ensuring the successful development of AAMplify – the AAM’s
innovative young people’s scheme.
Your success will be demonstrated through the AAM’s international standing and increased
influence across the arts and cultural sector. By making the AAM indispensable to the widest range
of partners, you will demonstrate the orchestra’s value and significance.
Specifically you will:
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Develop, plan and deliver world class schedules and seasons, working alongside the Music
Director and Head of Concerts and Artistic Planning
Market and sell own-risk concerts in London and Cambridge, and sell orchestral
performances to concert promoters throughout the UK and abroad
Manage the delivery of the concert season, including marketing the organisation to
broadcasters, recording partners and others within the classical music business
Deliver sound financial and organisational management, meeting budgets agreed with the
board
Work with the Head of Fundraising to develop individual, foundation and institutional
donors
Ensure that AAM Records grows successfully and that the company’s digital platform
continues to thrive and expand
Ensure that the orchestra’s AAMplify scheme continues to grow, and that it offers a
meaningful range of activities for people under 26 years old
Ensure that relationships between musicians and the company are optimised
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Represent the orchestra in our strategic partnerships, including with the Barbican and Arts
Council
Lead the strategic development of the AAM, liaising closely with the Board of trustees,
Development Board and Council
Ensure the orchestra is viewed as the leading period-instrument ensemble internationally
Maintain a close, strong working relationship with the Board, its Chairman Terence Sinclair,
the Music Director Richard Egarr and the AAM’s musicians.
Your skills and experience
We believe that applicants from a variety of backgrounds have the capacity to succeed in this role,
but we expect the successful candidate to demonstrate first-class leadership skills and the ability to
execute.
Qualities and characteristics that the candidate should exhibit include vision, integrity, tact,
confidence and charisma.
Although many applicants will have business backgrounds, or a background in arts management
outside music, it is very important to have a deep enthusiasm for the music at which the AAM
excels.
Terms
This position is based at the AAM’s offices in central Cambridge with frequent time spent in London
and abroad.
Starting salary
Commensurate with experience. The AAM also offers a contributory
pension scheme, together with other benefits.
Reporting to
Board of trustees (Chairman: Terence Sinclair)
Based
Cambridge, but with regular time spent in London for concerts and
meetings, and other travel as necessary
Hours of work
The office schedule is nominally 9:30am–5.30pm Monday–Friday, but this
post involves attendance at many concerts and meetings in the evening and
at weekends
Holiday:
28 days per year, taken in co-ordination with other members of staff and
including public holidays, plus three days between Christmas and New Year
Notice period
Three months, after an initial six-month probationary period during which
the notice period is one month on either side
How to apply
Please send a covering letter/email and CV by email to the chairman, Terence Sinclair.
The email, addressed to t.sinclair@aam.co.uk, should arrive by 10am on Wednesday 18 September
2013.
Please include your current salary, notice period, and the names of two referees who may be
contacted between the first and final rounds of interviews. Best practice is for the CV not to exceed
two sides of A4.
First interviews will take place after 23 September in London. There may be a second round in
London, followed by final interviews in Cambridge. We will offer applicants the opportunity to meet
members of the orchestra, office and the current CEO during the process.
If you would like to discuss the role further before applying, please contact Terence Sinclair on the
email address above.
The Academy of Ancient Music strives to be an equal opportunities employer.