Samford University’s Davis Architects Guest Artist Series and Birmingham Chamber Music Society will present The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the university’s Brock Recital Hall.

The concert is further sponsored by Barbara Barnard in celebration of Dr. Anthony Barnard’s 80th birthday, and by Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields - one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world - is renowned for its polished and refined sound, rooted in outstanding musicianship. Formed in 1958 from a group of leading London musicians, and working without a conductor, the Academy gave its first performance in its namesake church on 13th November 1959. Today, the Academy performs some 100 concerts around the world each year, with as many as 15 tours each season. In 1993, the Academy became the first and only orchestra to be awarded the Queen’s Award for Export.

Originally directed by Sir Neville Marriner from the leader’s chair, the collegiate spirit and flexibility of the original small, conductorless ensemble remains an Academy hallmark. This tradition continues today with the appointment of virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell as its new Music Director in 2011.

Tickets: Tickets are $20 (adult,) $15 (55+) and $10 (student/child) at www.samford.edu/arts or (205) 726-2853