Review Centre: Organists

"Gareth was a guest organist for a Sunday service when, at short notice, we needed a deputy. He took a great deal of time and trouble to familiarise himself with our order of service and conventions, played the hymns with a real ear for the congregation, and brought true musicianship to the prelude, offertory and postlude. He switched to piano for the sung solo, which he accompanied with real sensitivity to the piece and the singer. The congregation were delighted to have him play for us, and we would have him back in a heartbeat if the opportunity arose."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark, thank you for playing the piano so beautifully last night, it was just perfect."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark Burton is a well respected musician in our industry today, he is easy to work with and good at what he does. A lovely player and a lovely man."

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Jaimie, thanks for your recommendation, it's always a pleasure to hear and work with you too!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Loved working with James. He's very professional and experienced. He'll easily handle pretty much anything you ask of him. He's played church services, weddings, funerals, classical and more contemporary concert material. Fabulous accompanist but also very talented conductor, orchestra and choir leader. Deep dark sense of humour! If you've read this far - he's your musician, book him."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark, I just wanted to thank you for playing the organ so well yesterday at Mum’s funeral. It meant a lot to us, and many people complimented you at the Wake. Everything went so smoothly, which was so important to us! Thank you again."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Booked with just a week to go before the event Mark was the consummate professional! From phoning me to chat and get a better feel for the event and the demographic of the guests to arriving early to set up and playing a wide variety of music in a responsive and sensitive way - everything was perfect. Many thanks Mark for creating an ideal atmosphere for us all, dancers and non dancers, ages 8 to 88! Mark's the man for your get-together no matter what kind of event it is!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for playing for us at the `celebration` on Saturday evening; there have been so many messages from our guests on your exceptional range and quality of music, that you were certainly the star of the dinner. Angela and I are most grateful to you for your enthusiasm and assistance in making sure the evening was the success that it undoubtedly was, so very many thanks."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Des played the organ for our church wedding ceremony and was fantastic. We met a few weeks before the wedding and he was very friendly and easy to talk to. Des was very accommodating with our requests. We didn't have any particular music in mind for when guests were first arriving at the church, but we immediately trusted him enough to play his own selection and it went down very well. Des' playing during the whole service was top notch too. We would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a skilled and friendly musician."

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:

"Mark came along exactly as we had arranged and greeted me and everyone else warmly. He played all the music that I had arranged for him to play and kept it at a reasonable noise level as I wanted everyone to be able to talk as well as listening to his wonderful playing. I would not hesitate in hiring him again if I needed someone. He is a lovely man to talk to and I hope he puts up the pictures that I send him as one is a video and it is his music you can hear."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I haven't heard the special opportunity to hear him play in person, I live in the States... but listening to him on Facebook and on YouTube has be an uplifting and cherished event in and of itself. I would recommend him for any event, with he'd travel across the pond.. it would be such an experience. Recommended him very highly, professional competent, and an expert musician, and a beautiful person. Any event, any time, with any amount. Thank you Reviewed by: Audrey Taylor Lewis"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked Mark to play a Garden Party that I was hosting at our Garden Centre. Everybody loved his performance and I would hire him again for any future events. Very professional, arrived extra early to set up and also stayed for bit extra too as the crowd wanted more!! He even went around a spoke to some of the guests after he had finished. Brilliant day all round!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth Giles is a truly superb organist, accompanist, extemporiser, virtuoso and all round sensitive musician. I highly recommend him and his beautiful organ playing for any service, recital or occasion. This amiable man is an absolute genius!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth is a truly outstanding organist - every last request was granted and with style, aplomb, flair, enthusiasm, dynamism and utter professionalism from the start. Gareth met with us to discuss all our options and his knowledge and sense of humour is as outstanding as his virtuoso playing. Absolutely lovely guy and completely amazing musician. Thank you particularly for the Vierne - just W O W !!!!!!! Wedding couples - book this man if you can - our day would not have been the same with any lesser musician driving the organ Thanks G "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We were fortunate to have Mark play the hymns for us at our wedding ceremony in October 2016. His service was outstanding from start to finish and I would be very happy to recommend him."

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thanks Lee, it was lovely to meet you both on the day, I'm pleased that everything went so well!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: