Martin Baker (organist)

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Martin Baker
Born (1967-07-26) 26 July 1967 (age 56)
Manchester, England
Genres Choral music
Occupation(s)Organist, Choral conductor
Instrument(s) Organ
Years active1993present

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.

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.) [2]

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. [3]

In 2015 Baker was elected as an Honorary Fellow of Downing College. [3]

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References

  1. "Westminster Cathedral Master of Music". 7 January 2020. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  2. "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.
  3. 1 2 "Martin Baker". Cambridge: Downing College. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
Cultural offices
Preceded by Organist and Master of the Choristers (acting) of Westminster Abbey
1998–1999
Succeeded by