London's Academy of St Martin in the Fields Announce New Leader

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields has today announced 41-year-old German violinist Tomo Keller as their new Leader.

He has served as a frequent guest Leader with the ensemble since 2012.

‘The appointment of such a brilliant violinist as Leader is a real coup for the Academy … he will bring vast experience and wonderful musicianship to the role, and I can’t wait to begin working with him again,’ Artistic Director, Joshua Bell has said.

“I grew up with Academy of St Martin in the Fields recordings ... becoming a member and leader now is a dream come true," Tomo has said.

A graduate of the Vienna University of Music and the Juilliard School, Tomo is a former Assistant Concertmaster of the London Symphony Orchestra and currently serves as Concertmaster of the Swedish Radio Symphony.

The appointment comes after a comprehensive search following the departure of Ken Sillito in February 2012.