Church Music

Director of Music: Andrew Earis
Assistant Organist: Martin Ford

Music has always played a central part in the life of this famous London church. There has been an organ here since before 1500, Handel and possibly even Mozart both played on the Schreider organ of 1727; and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields was founded here in the 1950’s by Sir Neville Marriner and the then Master of Music John Churchill. Historically, our organists were shared with Westminster Abbey, but more recently eminent musicians such as W.T. Best, Arnold Goldsborough and Martin Shaw have been resident organists.

The Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields sings at the Parish Eucharist and Choral Evensong each Sunday and this is complemented by extra seasonal services – particularly at during Advent, Christmas, Holy Week and Easter; several concerts per year both at St Martin's as part of the renowned concert series there and at external venues of note; and a schedule of regular broadcasts on BBC Radio and Television. The Choir have recently recorded a CD, 'Christmas at St Martin-in-the-Fields', and are going on tour to Ireland in May 2010.

In 2009-10 we are delighted to welcome the return of the St Martin’s Choral Scholarship Scheme.  Ten choral scholars  sing Choral Eucharist at 1.15pm and Choral Evensong at 5pm each Wednesday during term time, as well as receiving an extensive programme of training in different aspects of church and choral music.

Occasional services are sung by the St Martin’s Occasional Singers, a wider group drawn from the St Martin’s community and beyond, who to sing one or two services a term in St Martin’s.

The St Martin’s Taizé Music Group leads the music at the Taizé service, on the first Sunday of each month at 6.30pm.