The music critic and regular Gramophone contributor Richard Bratby has just published a history of the Academy of Ancient Music, Refiner's Fire, the first book telling the story of a period-instrument ensemble (Elliott & Thompson; £25). 

This week's podcast is made in association with Wigmore Hall, and visitors this week include Alina Ibragimova, Kristian Bezuidenhout, the Julia Fischer Quartet, Nikolai Lugansky, La Nuova Musica and Anthony Roth Costanzo, Harriet Burns and Llŷr Williams. For a full list of concerts, visit wigmore-hall.org.uk

James Jolly spoke to Richard about the book, about its charismatic founder and long-serving Music Director Christopher Hogwood, and about how a substantial recording contract with Decca'a L'Oiseau-Lyre label – masterminded by the producer Peter Wadland – shaped the ensemble's style and approach.

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Listen to a special Gramophone Academy of Ancient Music playlist on Apple Music below: