An astonishing gala performance by acclaimed recitalist and improviser Martin Baker at Royal Festival Hall in December 2014 marked the Grand Finale of the RCO’s 150th anniversary celebrations. As part of a programme conceived to reflect significant RCO connections (alongside Bach’s 9/8 C major Prelude and Fugue, Bairstow’s fine Sonata in E flat offered music by a former President and the famous Symphony No. 6 by Widor provided music by an Honorary Member), Martin was joined by chorister Louis Negri for the world premiere of a new work. Co-commissioned by the College in collaboration with Southbank Centre, Simon Holt’s innovative…