In 1855, St Martin’s choir was given surplices and moved from the back of the church, beside the organ, to new stalls at the front beside the altar. The emphasis on choral music in parish churches at this time also revived congregational singing. Over the last 100 years, St Martin’s has had, at different times, a Cantata Choir, a Chamber Choir, a Community Choir, a Chinese Choir, and a Junior Choir.
Music
The architect of St Martin’s, James Gibbs, observed that sectioned, elliptical ceilings were ‘much better for the voice than the semi-circular’. Although he designed the acoustics to benefit the preacher, it also made St Martin’s an excellent space for music.
In 1726, music in the church centred on the organ. The original instrument was built by Christopher Schrider, with a case designed by Gibbs. Handel played at the opening and thought so highly of the organ that he often returned to play Sunday voluntaries. The present organ, commissioned in 1990, was built by J.W. Walker & Sons.
Changes in Anglican worship and liturgy in the mid-nineteenth century were embraced at St Martin’s, and the role of choirs grew in significance. By the twentieth century, there was a proliferation of music activity, including choirs, orchestras, and appreciation groups such as a Choral Society.
Supported by these, the church staged ambitious productions, including nativity performances in the 1930s and 1960s. It also embraced professional music ventures, from concerts to recordings. For a church already experienced in broadcasting, this was a natural development.