From the bees on the roof to one of the finest violins in the world, the Academy is full of surprising treasures. In this episode, Anna Picard introduces people and parts of the building that listeners might not know about, and discovers what goes on behind the scenes to ensure that the Academy’s remarkable collection of instruments will be played by generations to come. Including singing from an original Elizabethan part book, an introduction to Oliver Knussen’s beloved collection of owls, and violinist James Ehnes playing a priceless Stradivarius, the stories behind these objects unlock the history of the Academy.

Presenter: Anna Picard

Producer: Natalie Steed

Contributors: Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Ian Brearey, Kathryn Adamson, Patrick Russill, Barbara Meyer, IJmkje van der Werfe, James Ehnes, Sheldon Gabriel, Philip Cashian

Executive Producers, Royal Academy of Music: George Chambers, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Safi Schlicht

Featured music:

JS Bach Adagio from Sonata in G minor, BWV 1001, performed by James Ehnes

Beethoven Symphony No 8 in F, Op 93, performed by the Academy Chamber Orchestra with Lorenza Borrani

Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed by the Academy Symphony Orchestra with Andrew Gourlay

Tallis O Nata Lux performed by Academy students Isla MacEwan, Anita Monserrat, Samuel Kibble, Henry Ross, Charles Cunliffe

JS Bach Largo from Sonata in C, BWV 1005, performed by James Ehnes

Stravinsky Marche triomphale du diable from L’histoire du soldat performed by the Academy Manson Ensemble with Oliver Knussen

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