Our 2023 Organ Recital series continues with a recital given by Nigel Stark, Director of Music at St. Martin’s and St. Mary’s Stamford, performed on our recently-restored 1889 J.W. Walker & Sons pipe organ. Refreshments will be included, with no booking required. While this event is free, there will be a retiring collection in support of St Mary's Church Music Foundation. For programme details, please visit https://orgproj.co/snpm.

Nigel Stark originates from Chester, where he studied piano and later organ with Roger Fisher at Chester Cathedral. He was formerly Director of Music at St. Michael’s Church Bishop’s Stortford, conductor of the Bishop’s Stortford Choral Society, musical director of the Harlow Opera Company and founder and director of ‘Serenata’, a small professional vocal ensemble.

Appointed to the post of Director of Music at St. Martin’s and St. Mary’s Stamford in August 2012, Nigel is now resident in Oakham, Rutland. His company, Hauptwerk Systems UK, supplies virtual pipe organs to churches, halls and homes. This opens up access for people to play real instruments from around the world with breath-taking authenticity. In addition to his work as a conductor, organist and pianist, Nigel plays trombone with the Rutland Big Band. An Associate of the Royal College of Organists and holder of the Diploma in Choral Directing, Nigel holds the degree of MA (distinction) in Organ Historiography from Reading University. He is a former council member of the British Institute of Organ Studies (BIOS) and an Inspector for the Historic Organs Certificate Scheme (HOCS).