In this episode, Professor Magnus Williamson explores the sounds and history of the 1688 Smith organ in the private chapel at Aukland Castle, near Durham. Reflecting on the political and religious landscape of England during the 16th and 17th centuries, he reveals how close England came to abolishing church organs altogether. https://aucklandproject.org/venues/auckland-castle/We meet the man who discovered two unpublished original manuscripts by Sir Edward Bairstow, that had been left in a cardboard box for over 90 years.https://blackburncathedral.com/event/uncovered-treasures-bairstow-in-blackburn/Martin Baker talks about his life since leaving Westminster Cathedral, his musical upbringing and passion for improvising. Get in touch: theorganpodcast@rco.org.ukhttps://www.rco.org.uk/