The leading international organist Jennifer Bate has long been a favourite at the world's great festivals. International awards include Personnalité de l'Année (France) and honorary citizenship of the Italian Province of Alessandria. In 2002 she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, in 2007 she received an Honorary Doctorate in Music from Bristol University, and in 2008 she was awarded an OBE in The Queen's Birthday Honours' List. Her vast repertoire ranges from period-instrument performance to the latest virtuoso solo and concerto scores. She is a world authority on Messiaen's organ music, all of which she has recorded to enormous critical acclaim and the award of numerous prizes, including a Grand Prix du Disque. Her CD Reflections (GMCD7209) contains her own compositions. Many composers have written for her, inspired by her consummate artistry and phenomenal technique. A vivacious communicator, her worldwide schedule of recitals, concertos, recordings and television appearances also encompasses master-classes, lectures and educational projects, given in any of five languages.

JANUARY 2009