The Academy of Ancient Music – Orchestra-in-Residence at the University of Cambridge – opens its busiest-ever West Road Concert Hall season on 8 October.

The first of this year's six concerts at West Road gives Cambridge audiences the chance to preview a selection of Handel's Opus 1 and Opus 2 sonatas before the AAM goes on to record them as the next two discs in its landmark series of Handel instrumental music CDs for Harmonia Mundi.

Richard Egarr – who succeeded Christopher Hogwood as Music Director in September 2006 – commented: “I am thrilled to launch my second season with the AAM by showcasing these wonderful sonatas alongside some of the orchestra's world-class principal players. We explored this music in depth during a week-long residency at the Handel House Museum in September, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to perform it again in Cambridge”.

Other Cambridge performances with Egarr this season showcase the full scope of the AAM's capabilities, from intimate music for solo harpsichord to choral music including Handel's Messiah; from JS Bach's landmark Brandenburg Concertos to little-known masterpieces by Marini and Muffatt.

The orchestra will also bring an exciting line-up of guest artists to Cambridge, including Japanese baroque expert Masaaki Suzuki, virtuoso Italian violinist Giuliano Carmignola and soprano Carolyn Sampson.

The AAM continues its long association with Stephen Cleobury and the Choir of King's College with two performances of JS Bach's St Matthew Passion during the college's Easter Festival in March.

Beyond Cambridge, highlights include a three-week USA tour, Christmas performances of Handel's Messiah around Europe with the newly formed Choir of the AAM, and concert performances of Handel's Flavio – the second in a triptych of Handel opera projects leading up to the 250th anniversary of the composer's death in 2009 – conducted by the AAM's founder and Emeritus Director, Christopher Hogwood.

The AAM will record four CDs with Harmonia Mundi during the course of the year, as well as a disc of choral music with the Choir of Trinity College and Stephen Layton.

The first concert is on Monday 8 October at West Road Concert Hall from 7.30pm.

Tickets for all the AAM's West Road performances are available from the Arts Theatre Box Office on 01223 503333 (£14-£27). Student tickets are available for £5 on the door, subject to availability.

For full details of the AAM's Cambridge performances in 2007-08, please visit the web site linked above right.

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