Review Centre: Organists

"My husband and I are so fortunate to have had Mark be our pianist. He was incredibly friendly, knowledgable and flexible. He has a broad repertoire of music and was able to play all the songs we requested for our church ceremony without any issues. In addition, he was able to keep our guests hugely entertained whilst playing at our reception drinks. Would highly recommend him. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to say a massive thank you to Mark for playing the organ so wonderfully at our wedding this weekend (9th Jan 2016). From the moment I first spoke with Mark, I knew we were in good hands. We contact Mark fairly last minute and finalised the music for the wedding only a week before the day but there was never a moment when I felt panicked as Mark always put us at ease about the whole process. I would definitely recommend Mark for any event that requires musical talent! "

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Cara, thank you so much for a lovely review. I was very pleased with the music too, and the Haupwerk computer organ in church was a joy to play - it was like playing a cathedral organ! I wish you both all the luck in the world for the future.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth played for our daughter's wedding last week and was a wonderful organist. He met with us all and discussed the options over a friendly coffee. When it came to the day my daughter really did feel like 'The Queen of Sheba' and everyone enjoyed singing the hymns. As an amateur musician myself I was bowled over by Gareth's innate musicality and sensitive, appropriate playing and tempi. Widor's Toccata certainly gave our Organ a workout it will remember for many years !! As a family we cannot recommend Gareth highly enough. He is a lovely man to work with. (ps there does not seem to be a button to give Gareth 11/10 !!)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would just like to let anyone know who is considering or wanting an organist for their wedding (or any other event) Mark really is the best and in so many ways. He isn't money orientated. He goes above and beyond. His punctuality is just as great as his personality and his sense of humour. He stays in constant contact and he responded to every single one of my messages and calls even when they probably got annoying. He played the organ amazingly and made my wedding day all that bit more special. He really is a true professional!!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This Concert was absolutely amazing. Gareth was entertaining and informative whilst happy to answer questions between each piece and involve the audience. He is so very skilful in what he does and appears to have a vast repertoire to suit all tastes and genres. I am going to keenly look out for Gareth's other Performances and will definitely be recommending him to all I speak to. I even purchased one of his CDs and it is fabulous!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sebastian is a first rate musician of the highest calibre. He has played the organ for several of my choirs for which he has been outstanding, reliable, organised, easy to work with, prompt, communicative and always fully prepared. Sebastian has a professional consort of singers who are excellent and can be booked for church and corporate events. I would not hesitate to recommend his consort of singers, who can be booked through him, to anyone looking for a top notch choral group who are flexible with repertoire and extremely able to sing all genres to the highest standard. Sebastian has a deep knowledge of appropriate repertoire for a variety of church services and is always on hand to advise when needed. I fully commend Sebastian to anyone looking for a professional, highly skilled and reliable church musician who is equally at home conducting a choir or playing the organ for any church or corporate event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Oh my goodness ! What a superb musician and virtuoso organist. Gareth spent so much time e-discussing all the options for music and hymns and made wonderful suggestions. He also proof read our order of service as he is an extremely experienced organist and concert planner. It was a good job he did as he spotted 13 errors which we were able to correct before going to print. He did ALL these extra things and email discussions without any further costs. He was courteous, amazingly PROMPT to reply (usually within 30 mins !!!) and extremely witty in our dialogue. When we heard him play we could not believe how wonderfully he lifted the music for our wedding All our guests also remarked on the excellent hymn playing and superb exit music. We were able to meet him f2f before we left and he is a perfectly charming as well as exceptionally gifted man. WEDDING COUPLES - BOOK THIS MAN if you can as you will not be disappointed. GARETH is a wonderful guy ! Thanks again G for making our musical day perfect xx"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We can highly recommend Ann for any of your events - her wonderful harp playing delighted our visitors over the festive period. We can't wait to invite her back to play for us in the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark played at my dad’s funeral in the church, and I honestly don’t have the words to express just how incredible he was. From the moment he arrived, early, of course, he took complete control of the music and ensured everything was perfect. As people entered the church, Mark played meaningful music that completely set the tone. It was elegant, thoughtful, and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced at a funeral. It made the atmosphere feel so personal and beautiful, exactly what my dad would have wanted. Later, Mark also played at the celebration of my dad’s life at a stunning manor hotel, and again, he brought everything together with his extraordinary talent and care. He played songs that my dad absolutely loved, weaving them into both the church service and the celebration in a way that was seamless and full of heart. Mark truly exudes talent, but it’s not just his skill, it’s his kindness, his sensitivity, and his ability to read the moment. The day was, of course, deeply emotional and sad, but thanks to Mark, it also felt warm, thoughtful, and full of love. He created something so special. People spoke about the music all day and into the evening, about how moving it was, and how incredibly gifted he is. There is nothing this man cannot do. From hymns to personal favourites, Mark made my dad’s funeral and celebration of life something he would have been truly touched by. I know he would have been overwhelmed to know that someone so talented played for him. Mark, thank you from the bottom of my heart—for your music, your presence, and for helping us honor my dad in the most beautiful way."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I don't know the Revd. David Morris but having known Des at my own church and listened to him play in church and privately I would endorse everything Revd. Morris has said. From his playing ability over all styles to his quiet dependable honest character. Highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing comments from Bridal Party Saturday... venue amazing and made even more Stunning by Mark Burton as Pianist. Thank you Mark from all of us at New Walk Museum x"

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thank you so much Susan for your comments, it's always a pleasure to work with you all at the Museum, here's to a great 2019 x

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth GIles is a truly amazing organist. Thank you for playing at our church - I could hardly sing with the joy of listening to this man's fluidity, colout of expression and technical, dynamic mastery of the instrument and all the liturgy played upon it. I thoroughly recommend Gareth to anyone seeking an organist You will be amazed by this man's musicality..... When you engage his services for any occasion HS and on behalf of St Matthews"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I have used Gareth as an organist and pianist on multiple occasions to accompany my choir for both services and concerts. He remains my first choice for those special events that you need to know will be just right. Gareth is a consummate professional and a highly trained keyboardist. Despite his high level of technical expertise, he is no bore! His personal charisma, charm and musical cheekiness are what bring his playing to life and make him great fun to work with. Gareth always shows up to the first rehearsal knowing the music inside out and is able to score read choral parts flawlessly, transpose at a moments' notice, and, with one ear always on the singers, he is everything one would expect from a sensitive accompanist. His ability to improvise effortlessly make him invaluable for those all-important choral warm-ups ... and his last verses of hymns always induce a grin! Gareth is a highly flexible musician and is able to play musically in all genres. He works brilliantly with children, amateurs, and professionals, knowing exactly how much/how little support is needed from him. A first-rate musician, brilliant accompanist, and a professional, fun and loyal person. 10 out 10. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I just wanted to say a massive thank you for Saturday. You were amazing! You really helped to set the mood for our day. All our guests commented on how much they enjoyed listening to you. Thank you so much for accompanying Georgina too. It was brilliant and made our ceremony so special. Thank you for making the whole planning process so easy too. I promise that I will recommend you to everyone."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Good selection of music but it was generally too loud. This could have been because the hall was longer side to side than the width where your combo was playing. Maybe a better sound evaluation ( not sure what the proper term is ) opposite where you are actually playing would enable a better volume appreciation for the assembled guests."

Rating: 8 / 10 Share this review: