He was born in Blackpool, England where he received his early musical education, and was inspired by Tower Ballroom organist Reginald Dixon. After graduating with Honours degrees in French and Music from the University of Exeter, he studied briefly with Pierre Cochereau, then titular organist of Notre Dame in Paris. Later periods of study followed with Marie-Claire Alain in France, Piet Kee in Holland, and Peter Hurford in England.

He was awarded both the Limpus and Shinn prizes when he received his Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists in London. He emigrated to New Zealand on his appointment to the University of Canterbury School of Music where he is now organ tutor and a Senior Lecturer in Music During his sabbatical leave in 1999 he gave numerous organ concerts in America, Australia, Italy, Germany and England, including two of Christchurch’s sister cities, Christchurch (Dorset) and Adelaide. Concerts in 2000 include an invitation to play in Sydney Town Hall in August, and a performance of Guilmant’s Organ Symphony with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in October, as well as other solo concerts in New Zealand.

His University teaching and research career is combined with a busy schedule of recitals and concerts as soloist, accompanist and continuo player. An active composer and choral conductor, his organ and choral compositions are published by Kevin Mayhew Music in England. See examples of his compositions for organ and choir. He is also a music critic for The Press and Director of Music of the Parish of Fendalton.

His CD ‘Let the pealing organ blow!’ (MANU1539) recorded on the organ in late 1997 has achieved international recognition and featured on the BBC’s programme ‘The Organist Entertains’. A second CD is now being prepared.

Contact details and further information

E-mail Martin Setchell

For further details, see Martin Setchell's website