The Academy Manson Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1959 by Neville Marriner, a renowned British conductor and violinist. The ensemble was initially formed as a chamber orchestra, but it has since expanded to include a full symphony orchestra and a choir. The ensemble's name is derived from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, a church in London where the group gave its first performance. The name "Manson" was added to the ensemble's name in honor of the philanthropist Sir Charles Manson, who provided financial support to the group in its early years. The Academy Manson Ensemble has had a number of notable members over the years, including the violinist Joshua Bell, the cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and the pianist Murray Perahia. However, the ensemble has always been known for its collaborative approach, with members working together to create a cohesive and dynamic sound. One of the highlights of the Academy Manson Ensemble's early years was its performance at the 1969 Proms, a series of classical music concerts held annually in London. The ensemble's performance of Handel's "Water Music" was widely praised, and it helped to establish the group as one of the leading classical music ensembles in the world. Over the years, the Academy Manson Ensemble has continued to perform at major venues and festivals around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Salzburg Festival in Austria, and the BBC Proms. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of prominent musicians and conductors, including Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Colin Davis, and Sir John Eliot Gardiner. In addition to its live performances, the Academy Manson Ensemble has also recorded extensively, with over 500 recordings to its name. The ensemble's recordings have won numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards and Classical Brit Awards. One of the Academy Manson Ensemble's most notable recordings is its 1984 recording of Mozart's "Symphony No. 41," also known as the "Jupiter Symphony." The recording was widely praised for its clarity and precision, and it helped to cement the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of Mozart's music. Another notable recording by the Academy Manson Ensemble is its 1991 recording of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," featuring the violinist Nigel Kennedy. The recording was a commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide, and it helped to introduce classical music to a new generation of listeners. In recent years, the Academy Manson Ensemble has continued to innovate and explore new musical territory. In 2011, the ensemble collaborated with the electronic music duo Underworld to create a new work called "Anthology," which combined classical music with electronic beats and rhythms. Despite its many achievements, the Academy Manson Ensemble has always remained committed to its core mission of bringing classical music to a wider audience. The ensemble has worked with a number of educational and outreach programs over the years, including the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the Sistema England program, which provides music education to underprivileged children. Today, the Academy Manson Ensemble remains one of the most respected and beloved classical music ensembles in the world. With its commitment to excellence, innovation, and accessibility, the ensemble continues to inspire and delight audiences around the globe.

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