A free concert presented by St Albans International Organ Festival.
Born in Manchester in 1967, Martin Baker studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, Chetham’s School of Music and Downing College, Cambridge, then held positions at London’s Westminster and St Paul’s Cathedrals before being appointed to Westminster Abbey at the age of 24. In 2000 he returned to Westminster Cathedral as Master of Music, where for 20 years he was responsible for directing the world-renowned choir in its daily choral programme and busy schedule of concerts, tours and recordings.
Martin Baker is much sought after as an organist, playing frequent solo concerts in the UK and around the world. In addition to playing a wide repertoire he is known for his skill in improvisation, both liturgically and in concert, and was the winner of the Tournemire Improvisation Prize at the St Albans International Organ Competition in 1997. He teaches, both repertoire and improvisation, and has appeared on the juries of several international organ competitions. He has served as President of the Royal College of Organists and is an honorary Fellow of Downing College, Cambridge.
Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583–1643): Toccata quinta (Libro II); Capriccio sopra il Cucho (Libro I)
Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992): movements from Livre du Saint Sacrement
Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847): Sonata No.1 in F minor
Charles Tournemire (1870–1939): Festum Omnium Sanctorum: Choral
Martin Baker (b.1967) Improvisation
