Biography & Photos

Born in Lancashire in the North of England, Martin holds Honours degrees in Music and French and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. In 1974 he was appointed to the University of Canterbury School of Music where he taught for 40 years, becoming Associate Professor of Music.

A concert organist with an international reputation, his lively playing, imaginative programmes and warm, good-humoured presentation have entertained audiences throughout New Zealand and Australia as well as in Europe, Britain, North America and Asia. Since 1997 he has been curator of the Rieger pipe organ in Christchurch Town Hall.

His organ compositions and transcriptions are published in England and Germany, and his numerous CDs recorded on Rieger pipe organ of Christchurch Town Hall, where he has  served as organ curator since 1997, are frequently heard on Radio NZ Concert FM, as well as in England and the USA.

Martin's musical career extends well beyond the organ as a freelance Music Director. He has conducted choirs large and small over the years, but is especially known as the founder and first MD of the Jubilate Singers, one of Christchurch’s leading chamber choirs.  He has a particular passion for opera acting as chorus master and Assistant Music Director  for various Canterbury opera productions, and conducting numerous chamber operas.