Review Centre: Organists

"Mark performed for my father’s funeral late in 2017. Not only did he take care of the practical arrangements (bringing extra equipment, making sure all was in order for the day) but his playing - it transcends you to another world. As he played “O my Father” the room lifted and it touched the hearts of every person in that room. My father loved the Carpenters and at the end he played a piece and very subtly included “Sing a Song” it was beautiful and sad. It is difficult to imagine having a positive experience at a funeral, especially at your own father’s. But Mark truly made the day fit for a king. No less deserved. We were so in awe of the music that he was booked for another family funeral a couple of months later. Can not recommend enough. "

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"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!!! "

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"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."

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"I would recommend Lester to anyone and everyone. As one of his first piano pupils I had lessons with Lester for nearly ten years, and if I was in the area I still would! Lester was both patient with me as a child and understanding of other commitments as a young adult. He is thorough, and owe my solid grounding in music theory to him (even if I did hate my theory homework at the time!) Lester taught me piano from grades 1 up to 8, and I always achieved high grades due to his preparation. I would also have great faith that he could teach me far beyond this level. He will drive you to be the best you can, always providing good honest feedback. I can’t rate Lester enough for opening the doors to a lifetime of enjoyment in music, he’s great!"

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"I met Gareth after having had a fairly comprehensive email correspondence with him, where we had discussed exactly I would like to achieve and what he felt he could offer. It felt very promising, but I knew the moment I saw him that he was absolutely right for this difficult occasion. When he sat down at the organ in the Chapel and rattled off several really wonderful pieces I found out how really special he is and that I had been really lucky to pick him. He had agreed to work with me on a very personal programme of music including a performance of songs with another professional soloist - a mini concert (Purcell and Duparc). The result turned out to be quite stunning with beautifully performed pieces from them both, as if they had worked together for years. Having played various gorgeous pieces throughout, at the end, he gave us his adaptation of Vaughan Williams Lark Ascending which was just beautiful. Nothing was too much trouble and I have received so many letters from people attending who said how much they enjoyed the music that day. Thank you Gareth for everything you did. I would always recommend you, because music is in your bones, you play like a dream and are an utter professional. Frances"

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"Mr Giles thank you so much for your beautiful serene music at my late husband's funeral service. You were so accommodating with our wishes for the service and I know it was an odd mix of styles ! Thank you for keeping the hymns moving at a good pace and your empathetic accompaniment of the Pie Jesu. With the finale of the film music you gave a wonderful send off to a loved one and raised many a fond smile. I thoroughly recommend Gareth Giles to you for any service or occasion - a wonderful musician. Thank yo - Janice and family"

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"Mark, thank you for playing the piano so brilliantly at our Wedding Party last Thursday evening. Your music set the perfect atmosphere at the Belvedere, thank you for learning our requests quickly which were played with ease, and you even accompanied our guest West End singer without a run through and no sheet music! Many of our guests commented on your flawless performance and variety of music, Elton John, David Bowie and even Bollywood themes, amazing! We couldn’t have wished for anyone better, and would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone wanting an expert Wedding musician."

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"Our decision to book Tony was very last minute (literally the week before our wedding) because we felt that we really needed musical accompaniment to our hymns. We were planning to have all other music on an MP3 player. Tony was great to deal with - came back quickly and was very professional in his communications. We arranged to meet at the church the day before and Tony brought all four additional songs that were going to be on the MP3 to see if we liked how they sounded on the organ. He then played them for us. I cant tell you how much better the music sounded on the organ. Tony, you were easily the 'icing on the cake' and the best last minute decision we made. Many of our guests commented on your playing and you were brilliant to deal with. We cannot recommend you highly enough. We're only sorry that it has taken us this long to put up a review. Thanks for helping to make our day perfect. "

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"Sebastian was so helpful, friendly and professional, advising on hymn and music choices, and playing beautifully on the day at my mother's funeral mass. It was such a relief to find someone so capable when I was told the church didn't have an organist! Thoroughly recommended! "

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"Mark, regarding your recent performance for us at BGU, we would like to say a huge thank you and well done. Your performance was brilliant, we received many compliments on the day and you helped to make the atmosphere relaxing and enjoyable. "

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"We had William and Mark for our entertainment for our wedding in November. I had read clips and seen reviews on their website and profiles, but they FAR exceeded our expectations. All of our guests - without exception - loved them, and they got the most unlikely candidates up dancing! It was so lovely to have live music and William and Mark are both great musicians who really know their stuff. Rob and I had the most amazing day and it was made absolutely perfect by you both - so a massive thank you. We cannot recommend you highly enough! Thanks again to both of you. Sarah and Rob xx"

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"Phenomenal organist and musician. Thank you for the joy you have us all through your amazing playing. You are a true professional and a lovely person too. Please come back!"

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"A wonderful array of beautifully performed pieces. He can play anything from Bond themes and the classics to current rock and pop. Why this man is not playing sell out concerts internationally is a mystery. Book him while you can!"

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"Gareth could not have been more helpful and professional from our first 'planning' meeting to the very end of his entertaining playing at our reception. He certainly went the extra mile to make sure we had the music we wanted. He played the organ in the Church for the wedding ceremony and then rushed off to the reception and lunch venue to play the piano for our gathering guests. My husband is something of a jazz fan and so got on famously with Gareth and they both seemed to enjoy talking through the music we would have throughout the day - Gershwin, Stan Getz and lots in between. Having music at the reception was perfect - it wasn't at all 'wallpaper' but nor was it intrusive which is a very clever trick to pull off! It lifted the whole event to a new level. Thank you Gareth for helping to make our special day such a success - we were perhaps an unusual couple having a combined age over 150 but that didn't mean we were not keen to have lots of fun and smiles and the music was an important part of making this come true! Catherine Sacré Eassie 10/10"

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"Mark, thanks for playing so beautifully at the Embassy 2 weeks ago, it was lovely to have you back with us again. "

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thanks for using me again for your exhibition at the Austrian Embassy Veronika, the pleasure was all mine - see you next year.

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