OAE in 60 seconds

Welcome to the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Three decades ago, a group of London musicians took a good look at that curious institution we call the orchestra, and decided to start again from scratch. They began by throwing out the rulebook. Put a single conductor in charge? No way. Specialise in repertoire of a particular era? Too restricting. Perfect a work and then move on? Too lazy. The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment was born.

Since then, the OAE has shocked, changed and mesmerised the music world. Residencies at the Southbank Centre and Glyndebourne haven’t numbed its experimentalist bent. Record deals haven’t ironed out its quirks. Period-specific instruments have become just one element of its quest for authenticity.

Today the OAE is cherished more than ever. It still pushes for change, and still stands for excellence, diversity and exploration. And over three decades on, there’s still no orchestra in the world quite like it.

Soundtrack: The Marriage of Figaro, The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with conductor Sir Charles Mackerras.

[leadingwithhumanity]

Had the absolute joy of listening to the OAE yesterday at Glyndbourne. What a superb experience. I especially loved Mozart's Masonic Funeral Music in C minor, K 477. Thank you so much

[BlossomFlowerGirl]

To Adam Noman in response to your post: Your comment “too much White music” is a very strange comment indeed. I’ve never heard of music being given a paint job. This music was written 235 years ago, on 29 April, 1786 and I highly doubt Mozart would have thought of his music as “white”!

His music is happy which is the reason he has always been my favourite composer, he wrote such wonderfully beautiful happy notes that listening to it cheers the soul and lightens the spirit. We are so lucky to have had such talented artists who created such a wonderful legacy for generations to come.

I have replayed this video several times and in no way, shape, or form, can I see anything to substantiate your claim of very politically incorrect messaging.

[adamnoman]

Very politically incorrect messaging at the end, Arts Council. Isn't everybody and everything equal?
Entirely too much White music, don't you think?