Review Centre: Organists

"We engaged Mark to play for us during our annual conference dinner in the stunning Victorian Gallery of Leicester's New Walk Museum. It was wonderful to hear the gentle sounds of the piano on our arrival as we made our way to the gallery. Mark then continued to play for us whilst having our early evening drinks and then during the meal itself. He thoughtfully kept the lid in place on the museum's grand piano so he did not drown out our conversation, but instead provided a delightful backdrop to it. Mark offered to play requests for us but we did not take him up on this; instead we trusted him to find the right pieces for the evening. He played a wide range of material, including classical favourites, famous film scores, and the latest hits. He set just the right tone for the evening, with the piano offering a delightful accompaniment to our dinner. In such a beautiful setting, we all thought Mark's playing had really made our evening. We really did appreciate it, thank you so much! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We are incredibly grateful to Sean for stepping in at very short notice when the organist for my dad's funeral became unwell the night before the service. From the moment I contacted him, Sean responded immediately and filled me with confidence that everything would be taken care of. His kindness, compassion, and reassurance during what was already a very difficult time meant a great deal to us. Sean attended the funeral and played beautifully throughout the service. The music was absolutely stunning and created a wonderful atmosphere for saying goodbye to my dad. What made it even more special was that my dad had personally chosen the music while he was unwell, so I know he would have truly loved hearing it played so beautifully. Sean was professional, caring, and exceptionally talented. His willingness to help at such short notice and the quality of his performance exceeded all expectations. He played a significant part in making my dad's funeral such a beautiful and memorable service, and for that we will always be grateful. I cannot recommend Sean highly enough."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth - thank you for again demonstrating your amazing musicianship skills at the superb concert in Claygate the other week. This man has to be heard and seen to be believed ! Classical, show tunes , jazz, duets (with himself !) and virtuoso, colourful performances showing that this man is a true Master of his craft, equally at home on the ORGAN or the PIANO or in the case of one of his own arrangements, darting between the 2 with energy and an engaging enthusiasm for every genre of music. If you are looking for an Organist or Pianist or Accompanist for any occasion get in touch with Gareth - as has been said here before, he is the consummate musician. Thank you Gareth for sharing your art and music with so many. All the best from George."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My wife Lorraine and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony at our small parish church. The organ was in need of maintenance so he brought his own keyboard and speaker system. We chose a range of music from contemporary melody to classical, and Mark fully demonstrated his versatility in his excellent performance, simulating piano, orchestral and organ as appropriate to great effect. He accompanied the hymn singing in a very accomplished way without dominating or following. He took a great effort to establish what we wanted in advance enabling him to fully complement what was for us and our guests a very intimate and unforgettable occasion. Mark proved to be very friendly and obliging and I would have no hesitation in recommending his services for any similar event."

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thank you Tim for taking the time to post your lovely review. The pleasure was all mine, and it was lovely to meet you both.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I can honestly say that our wedding of 14 people would not have been complete without Mark! He was wonderful, he has such a brilliant way of filling the entire space and connecting people with music. Mark was able to make the most of instruments that have not had much use nor care during the pandemic and produced the most wonderful sound with them. Mark made both the more classical organ pieces and contemporary piano songs sound amazing, making hairs stand on end with the power of the music. More importantly, Mark was truly a part of our party, interacting and making it more fun alongside everyone. Thank you! Thank you so much for being absolutely brilliant, could not recomend anyone more highly and will certainly be contacting again in the future."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you very much again for entertaining us on Friday evening. Everyone commented on how amazing your playing is and how perfectly the music fitted in with our party."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth Giles is an absolutely outstanding organist and professional musician. He took so much trouble to meet with us and put us at ease before the wedding. His knowledge, experience and playing is stunning and he totally won us over in minutes with his innate musicality and infectious personality, warm and enthusiasm. He nearly me us both cry on the day with the absolutely breathtaking music for our ceremony. Our guests commented on his style and finesse Gareth thank you so much for all that you did for us WE COMPLETELY RECCOMENDED THIS WONDER-GUY to anyone looking for a superb, kind, witty and consummate musician He plays pretty mean jazz piano for receptions and functions too !!! Thanks G"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Arrived well before time. Played excellent background music on piano and sax and was very responsive to requests on music and loudness. A very pleasant chap to work with. "

Reply by Des George - smooth piano plus
Thanks Nick, it was a pleasure!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark was so lovely and professional, he got started straight away and didn't need any help from me! He chose a great variety of songs from French to fit my 'Night in Paris' Theme as well as well known songs for my age group, 18-21. Everyone was complimenting him all night and a lot of people asked for his details as he was so good! I would definitely recommend him to anyone as well as hiring him again myself! Also, a great price for what we received! Thank you for making the night a lovely one Mark!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark's input into my daughter's wedding was incredible! He could not have shown more interest or commitment to making their day really special....from an initial visit to discuss and offer advice on their choice of music, then an extra follow up visit to see the two venues involved and familiarise himself with the church organ (he even managed to arrange a rehearsal of 'Ave Maria' with the soloist at the same time!). Mark's repertoire and versatility are amazing. He played beautiful classical music during the civil ceremony on his top of the range keyboard (adding a dramatic blast of organ for Bach's Toccata and Fugue as the newly weds left the room!); then he dashed across to the village church 30minutes later for a blessing and baptism ceremony, where he played the church organ beautifully, including an improvised medley to fill in a delay at the beginning of the service! Then back to the main venue to play jazz and 'easy listening' music throughout the reception and wedding breakfast!! You name it...Mark can play it! We were so relieved to be able to leave all the musical details in his capable hands. He obviously loves music and it shows! "

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thank you for your fantastic feedback Heather. It was a brilliant day, the weather was great and everything went to plan. I enjoyed using all of my skills...........pianist, organist and keyboard player to play all of the styles of music that you required. It certainly was an unforgettable day, and it was a pleasure to perform for such lovely people in a stunning venue, Narborough Hall. Also, thanks to Georgie and her team for making me feel so welcome, and looking after me rushing around everywhere!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Des played piano at a corporate event hosted by one of my former companies. He provided excellent background music for nearly 3 hours. As a musician myself, I found Des to be a talented, versatile and very professional performer. I would heartly recommend him to anyone."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Laurence, it's extremely important that l and my family let you know that we were absolutely delighted by your musical support. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening and a significant part of that was due to your lovely playing during the meal. "

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:

"Gareth thank you for your stunning playing at our wedding last month. We were so lucky to find you at short notice and really appreciate the time, care and calming humour you brought to us in our planning coffee. Gareth Giles is a truly lovely man to work with and made all our musical dreams come true with apt suggestions and help with the detailing of the order of service. His playing is pure genius and any couples reading this looking for a highly talented, experienced church musician who also happens to be a lovely, funny man to work with should NOT hesitate to book him - you will not be disappointed. Fantastic music flows from this man Thanks again GG and keep in touch"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Michael played at my wedding and was fantastic. All the guests enjoyed his playing and he made the service that bit more special."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: