As the Cathedral reaches its 50th Anniversary, so does its famous Grand Organ. Built by Walkers and completed just hours before the consecration in 1967, it has since been played by some of the most celebrated organists in the world. This year, we’ll pay tribute to the Cathedral’s much-loved Grand Organ in a special series of 50th anniversary recitals.
For the first in our series, we welcome Martin Baker, Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral.
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 he is responsible for directing the worldrenowned choir in its daily choral programme and busy schedule of concerts, tours and recordings. Martin Baker is also much sought after as an organist, playing frequent solo concerts in the UK and around the world.
Programme:
| Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) | Toccata, Adagio & Fugue in C (BWV 564) |
| Nun komm’ der Heiden Heiland (BWV 659) | |
| “Gigue” fugue in G major (BWV 577) | |
| Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937) | Allegro |
| Adagio | |
| Intermezzo | |
| Pietro Alessandro Yon (1886-1943) | Toccatina for the flutes |
| Martin Baker (b.1967) | Improvisation |
This recital forms part of Liverpool Organ Day. Recitals will also be held at Liverpool Cathedral (11am) and St George’s Hall (5.30pm).
Tickets priced at £5, available from music@metcathedral.org.uk.
Other recitals in this series include:
James Luxton on 29th May, 3pm
Johann Vexo on 16th June, 7.30pm
Ian Tracey on 7th July, 7.30pm
