Hamlins announced as Official Legal Partner to The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Hamlins is proud to announce its appointment as Official Legal Partner to The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE).
The OAE is a pioneering period instrument orchestra established in 1986. It specialises in music composed between the 17th and 19th centuries, playing on instruments, or replicas of instruments, from the time the music was written.
The OAE seeks to make music for everyone, bringing its repertoire to new audiences and nurturing musical talent.
©Zen Grisdale
The OAE is based at Acland Burghley School in North London, and it is the first professional orchestra in the UK to hold a permanent residency at a state secondary school. It has a deep commitment to making a positive impact on young people and building long-lasting links with communities through its UK-wide programme of education projects and residencies, and schemes including mentoring and workshops for students with Special Educational Needs.
The Orchestra’s commitment to authenticity and inclusivity results in an innovative programme of performances and unique collaborations, which can be enjoyed through its residency at London’s Southbank Centre, and its relationship with venues and festivals across the UK, including Glyndebourne and Kings Place.
©Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
In 2025, the OAE premiered ‘Breaking Bach’, a production which brought together talented young street dancers with the rhythms of Bach’s orchestral music. Its ‘Night Shift’ series seeks to make classical music accessible through informal chamber music gigs held in pubs and small venues across London.
Hamlins has been at the forefront of protecting clients’ interests in the music and entertainment industry for more than 50 years and is excited to support a groundbreaking ensemble of musicians seeking to ‘make old music new’ and challenge the traditional perception of an orchestra.
By partnering with the OAE, Hamlins will provide legal services and a commitment to promoting the OAE’s valuable work to our network of clients and contacts.
Matthew Pryke, Hamlins Managing Partner, said:
“We are very proud to partner with the OAE. Its enthusiasm and commitment to bringing classical music to new audiences through a completely unique and inclusive approach is inspiring, and a mission we are delighted to shine a spotlight on. Music is an intrinsic element of Hamlins’ rich heritage, as well as our present-day identity, so this partnership is a perfect fit which we will look to grow in the coming months.”
Crispin Woodhead, Chief Executive of the OAE, said:
"We are delighted to welcome Hamlins as our Official Legal Partner. Through its expertise, it shares our mission to protect the health of our musical inheritance so that it may thrive for future generations of musicians and audiences. Hamlins support will allow the OAE to pursue our innovative and inclusive approach to music-making with renewed confidence. We look forward to welcoming them to our events and working with them through the partnership."