About

Celebrating the Restoration of the 1878 'Father' Henry Willis Organ, Completed in 2023/4

St Mary's Church in Bathwick is delighted to welcome Martin Baker, formerly Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, to mark the restoration of its 1878 'Father' Willis organ. The restoration, undertaken by Harrison & Harrison of Durham, was completed in 2023/4.

Martin Baker, born in Manchester in 1967, received his musical education at the Royal Northern College of Music, Chetham's School of Music, and Downing College, Cambridge. He went on to hold positions at Westminster and St Paul’s Cathedrals in London, before being appointed to Westminster Abbey at the age of 24. In 2000, he returned to Westminster Cathedral as Master of Music, a role in which he led the world-renowned choir for two decades, overseeing its daily choral programme as well as an extensive schedule of concerts, tours, and recordings.

Renowned as a concert organist, Martin Baker performs widely across the UK and internationally. In addition to his expansive repertoire, he is particularly admired for his improvisational skill, both in liturgical settings and in concert. He won the Tournemire improvisation competition in St Albans in 1997. A dedicated teacher of both repertoire and improvisation, he has also served on the juries of several international organ competitions. He is a past President of the Royal College of Organists and holds the title of honorary Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge.

Audience members will be able to view Martin Baker's performance in close detail via a large screen. The recital will last approximately one hour and will be presented without an interval. Drinks will be available for purchase in the church hall before and after the performance.

Ticket Price: £20 Full Price / £10 Under 18's

Programme:

• Improvisation

• Prelude & Fugue in B major (Op. 7) – Marcel Dupré (1886–1971)

• Symphonie III in E minor (Op. 13 no. 3) – Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)

  1. Prélude

  2. Minuetto

  3. Marcia

  4. Adagio

  5. Final

• Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Op. 61) – Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847)

• Improvisatiom