Martin Baker (organist)
Martin Baker | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 July 1967 Manchester, England |
| Genres | Choral music |
| Occupation(s) | Organist, Choral conductor |
| Instrument(s) | Organ |
| Years active | 1993–present |
Martin Baker (born 26 July 1967, Manchester) is a past President of the Royal College of Organists, and was from 2000 until 2019[1] Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral. He is believed to have resigned from his position at the cathedral in opposition to the changes made to the choristers' boarding pattern implemented by Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and Neil McLaughlan, headmaster of Westminster Cathedral Choir School which reduced the number of days the choristers sing and severely restricted recruitment of choristers.[2]
Baker was educated at the Royal Northern College of Music Junior School, Chetham's School of Music, St Ambrose College, and attended Downing College, Cambridge as an Organ Scholar from 1985–88. He subsequently held appointments at Westminster Cathedral (Organ Scholar 1988–90), St Paul's Cathedral (Assistant Organist 1990–1991) and Westminster Abbey (Sub-Organist 1992–98 and Acting Organist 1998–99.)[3]
Baker won first prize in the Improvisation Competition at the St Albans International Organ Festival in 1997. While his position at Westminster Cathedral was primarily focused on choral direction, he maintains an international profile as an organ recitalist, and is known particularly for his skill in organ improvisation.[citation needed]
References
- ^ "Westminster Cathedral Master of Music". Retrieved 7 January 2020.
- ^ "Westminster Cathedral's Master of Music resigns". Retrieved 7 January 2020.
- ^ "International Special Report: Princess Diana, 1961-1997". The Washington Post. 30 January 1999. Retrieved 6 October 2008.
The organ is played by Martin Baker, sub-organist of Westminster Abbey.
External links
- Martin Baker at the Westminster Cathedral website
- Martin Baker at Allmusic
- Martin Baker USA management page
| International | |
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| National | |
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- 1967 births
- Living people
- Alumni of Downing College, Cambridge
- Cathedral organists
- English choral conductors
- British male conductors (music)
- English organists
- Male organists
- Fellows of Downing College, Cambridge
- Musicians from Manchester
- People educated at St. Ambrose College
- People educated at Chetham's School of Music
- 21st-century conductors (music)
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