Sir John Eliot Gardiner has been appointed president of the Bach Archive Foundation in Leipzig from January 1, 2014. The newly created role is aimed at developing the Archive’s position as a leading international authority on the composer. Gardiner, who has presided over numerous recordings and performances of Bach’s works as founder and director of the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists, brings not only his own scholarship and expertise to the role, but also a formidable international reputation.

‘It is a special honour for me to have been offered the post of president of the Bach Archive, Leipzig by the Mayor of Leipzig,’ said Gardiner. ‘Underlying my work as a conductor and writer is the Bach research done in Leipzig. With the fine recent track record of the research team led by Peter Wollny and their sixth sense of knowing where to locate hitherto undetected source material, it is my strong belief that we can look forward over the next few years to exciting fresh evidence coming to light that will enrich our portrait of Bach and our understanding of his oeuvre and environment. It will be my privilege to support and encourage this research and to blast a trumpet internationally for the work and achievements of the Bach Archive in Leipzig.’

The Bach Archive Leipzig is a foremost centre of Bach research and scholarship. Comprising a research institute, library, museum, and events department, it occupies the Bosehaus complex at St Thomas Square, opposite the church where Johann Sebastian Bach served as cantor for 27 years.

Don't forget Sir John Eliot Gardiner has been nominated for Gramophone Artist of the Year 2013. Visit the voting page to cast your vote.