During a casual meeting of friends, there emerged a common desire to recapture the spirit of novelty and exploration which seemed to characterize the early music movement in Boston in decades past.
Mission
Our mission is to encourage, develop and preserve the extraordinary legacy of Boston as a world-class center for early music. As an orchestra we strive to achieve this through engaging and enlightening performances that are accessible and inclusive.
Vision
Preserve the legacy of Boston as the center for Baroque music by mentoring and coaching young artists.
Promote our role as ambassadors of culture within the fabric of the Boston community and beyond.
Promote and engage the wealth of emerging talent in Boston and beyond through performance opportunities.
Provide access by partnering with local charities.
Leadership + Artists
General Director
Praised by The Miami Herald, "...the graceful, imaginative continuo playing... gave the music palpable energy," New York native Leslie Kwan has quickly garnered a reputation for her remarkable artistic range as a soloist, continuo player and director. In 1997, she enrolled in the Master of Music program at the Mannes College of Music under the tutelage of harpsichordist Arthur Haas as a Helena Rubenstein Scholar. Ms. Kwan continued her training with Arthur Haas in the Doctoral of Musical Arts program at SUNY Stony Brook from 1999-2004. In 2005, she made her Carnegie Recital Hall debut with soprano Brenna Wells, as well as her New World Symphony debut, to critical acclaim. As the continuo player of the New World Symphony from 2005-2010, Ms. Kwan performed under the direction of Ton Koopman, Robert King, Scott Yoo, Edwin Outwater and Nicolas McGegan.
In February 2009, Ms Kwan co-founded L'Académie with choral conductor Michael Barrett. After two successful seasons, Ms. Kwan was promoted to the role of General Director. Under her direction, L'Académie has since distinguished itself as the Baroque orchestra that specializes in music of 17th and 18th century France. The ensemble has developed a distinctive style and has been lauded for its consistently intelligent, stylish and unique programming. Future projects for Ms. Kwan include a solo recording and recitals in Boston, New York, London, Brussels and Paris.
