In our monthly series of “The Faces of Sherborne” we introduce you to the people behind the faces. This month (April 2011)
MEET THE DIRECTOR OF THE SHERBORNE ABBEY MUSIC FESTIVAL - JOHN BAKER
John Baker at Sherborne Abbey
Started in 1999, the Sherborne Abbey Music Festival is now well-established and a cornerstone of Sherborne’s lively calendar of events. This year’s festival, centred on the Abbey and Castleton Church, takes place from Friday 29th April to Tuesday 3rd May at a variety of locations and includes everything from classical music and liturgical works through to jazz concerts and a brass band spectacular. It brims with inspiration and nourishment for the soul and the senses.
Hot tip: This year BBC3 Radio is starting a new series of live broadcasts and the Festival’s The Sixteen concert on Tuesday 3rd May will be broadcast live.
In brief:
John and his wife have lived in Sherborne for over 30 years. His interest in setting up a music festival began through his son’s interest in singing and by the time his son was head chorister at Wells in 1999, John’s ambition to launch a festival for Sherborne had been realised. He has dedicated 12 years to seeing the festival grow to a fully-rounded event that showcases local talent as well as providing a platform for nationally acclaimed artists.
Read the full interview with John Baker below:
Q: How did it all begin?
JB: My son, Edward, sang in the Abbey Choir between the ages of 7 and 9 and developed a taste for singing, so much so that he wanted to join Wells Cathedral Choir. When I took him up to Wells for his interviews, I liked everything I saw – the buildings and the philosophy of the place. When Edward was accepted as a chorister I went to all of his concerts and that led me to the Edington Festival of Music within the Liturgy where he was performing. Hearing such lovely music in such magnificent surroundings stimulated my interest and the idea was born. I spoke to the Vicar and the Abbey choirmaster and with their support, we set up a working party.
Q: It must have been a daunting task. Where did you begin?
JB: Yes, there was a lot to learn but we set up a committee that broke down the various aspects that needed attention: we had to arrange ticketing systems, a website, sponsorship opportunities and, of course, the programming. I had help with that through friends of different cathedrals and their choirs. The first festival cost £5000 to put on – now it’s at least 12 times that – but we managed to make a profit. We decided right from the beginning that any profits would be ploughed back in to support future festivals and to support musical activities.
Q: What do you think the festival brings to Sherborne?
JB: First and foremost, we see this as a community festival. It provides an outreach for the Abbey. It is based around the liturgy but there are also five or six concerts. We try to bring good quality music to Sherborne, showcasing local talent as much as possible, but also bringing top-line nationally acclaimed artists to the town.
Q: Do you see it developing in any way?
JB: I think we’ve achieved a good balance. We present vocal soloists and choral groups, there are workshops for youngsters and we also feature the town’s Festival Chorus with 130 local folk. More recently, we have added readings by poets and authors. I have to give thanks to our sponsors and patrons because without them we would not have been able to develop in the way that we have.
Q: Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to Sherborne.
JB: Well, essentially I have a management background and so I suppose that helps in the organisational aspects of the festival. I was brought up in Worcestershire and my family is originally from Yorkshire. When I met my wife, she was about to go off and teach in Madrid so we decided she would try to find a job in England first and then I would follow. Well she ended up working at Sherborne Girls’ School which is when I came here – that’s back in 1979.
Q: Have you seen many changes in Sherborne over that time? How do you see the town developing?
JB: Well, yes, there were 13 schools back then and only about half the number now. The town is likely to continue to grow, A few years ago we had the Fosters Field development and now Barton Farm is looming, but the people seem to remain as hospitable and welcoming as ever.
Q: What are the things you like most about Sherborne?
JB: I spend a lot of time in the Abbey – I’ve been a church warden for five years – and it is the most magnificent building. I must say I think it’s a lovely town with some great people.