Review Centre: Organists

"We contacted Laurence through this site to play during our ceremony at Stoke Park Pavilions. He was extremely helpful and accommodating, going out of his way to play the songs that we wanted and accompanying the Bride's Soprano Mother whilst she sang a song for us. We cannot recommend him enough and our only regret is not having the opportunity to say thank you after the ceremony (photographs etc etc). So thank you Laurence, many of our guests commented on your superb playing."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Thank you so so much for Saturday! You were incredible. I don’t know if you knew this but when you played before the ceremony, you played a Bollywood tune that was Kyles dads favourite song, and it really meant a lot to him! So thank you so so much Mark, it was perfect x "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Not much to add to the reviews on this site, CARING, CHARACTERFUL, HELPFUL, EXPERIENCED, VIRTUOSO, PHENOMENAL - we recommended you book him for your wedding or wedding blessing in our case and if we had known what an amazing Jazz pianist he is as well in time he would have been at the reception. H+S x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Honestly one of the best accompanists I’ve ever worked with! Lester is such a dependable and technically brilliant musician - what more can I say?! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Gareth is the most AMAZING musician who really made our Wedding day both at the church on the organ and throughout our reception on the piano. He played everything in every style that we asked for and was so friendly and accommodating. BOOK HIM ! You will not be disappointed :) A & M "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Gareth we cannot thank you enough for your amazing playing at our wedding last month. You were so accommodating to all our requests and the advice helped us so much. It was so kind of you to drive for 1.5 hours to meet and chat over coffee and we laughed and had so much fun in that planning meeting. All our family and friends commented on your amazing playing which really made our day special. Thank you for sneaking in 'Beauty and the Beast' into the signing of the registers music...even though the vicar said "no" ! That was so sweet of you and made us smile when we heard 'our tune'!! Any wedding couples MUST book this wonderful, superb musician and incredibly personable witty man His playing is out of this world. Thanks and keep on touch x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"He is an excellent teacher. He taught me the French Horn for something in the region of 8 years and all of the lessons I had were to the highest level of teaching. His musical knowledge is second to none, and his accompanying pieces in exams were flawless. He is also probably the nicest teacher I have had in any discipline and would definitely recommend Lester as a teacher and probably for any other music related role! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"I just wanted to say a big thank you from me and Chris. Sorry for getting in touch so late but we have just come back from the honeymoon. Everything in the church was perfect. Thank you again. "

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thank you for your lovely comments Joanna. I really enjoyed playing for your wedding, especially your entrance music 'I'm Kissing You' on the organ. I usually play it on the piano - but it really worked for the organ too. I'm really pleased that it was 'perfect' for you, that is my goal for every wedding! Good luck to you both.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report 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: Report this review

"Lester is a fantastic teacher who accompanied me on the piano on multiple occasions, always very patient when I couldn't count bars rest and constantly being supportive and willing to help. Would recommend his piano teaching to anyone with any level of skill! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"We hired Mark for our wedding and from start to finish he was absolutely incredible. We went through several months of planning where Mark not only suggested some great songs but accommodated a number of our own special requests. On the day his experience really paid off as he combined the church organ with his own digital keyboard, which was perfect for the traditional yet upbeat mix of songs we were looking for. Mark also played the piano during the wedding breakfast and we were inundated with comments on how good he was. It is obvious why he has been chosen to play at such top London restaurants (we even had dinner at the Gilbert Scott before the wedding just so we could hear Mark play and we was fantastic as ever). As well as a gifted musician Mark is also the ultimate professional, always available to talk and quick to respond to any issues. He even worked closely with our singer to ensure they had the correct versions of each song we requested. He took all the stress out of managing the music in the build-up and on the day, something which we found invaluable with everything else that goes with planning a wedding. If you need an organist/pianist for any event we simply cannot recommend Mark highly enough! "

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
James, thank you for such a lovely review. It was a lovely day, and very busy for me at Hengrave Hall - after nearly a year in the planning it was good to see everything running like clockwork on the day. I wish you both a great future, please keep in touch and come and see me at the Gilbert Scott sometime!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Gareth Giles is a SUPERB organist who led our service recently with aplomb and at very short notice ! Gareth your choice of tempi, colorful registrations and amazing harmonies for the last verses (! Bairstow, eat your heart out !) coupled with a superb empathy for the poetic flow of the hymnody truly inspired our congregation to sing confidently and rhythmically. Many members commented on your wonderful extemporisation facility before and during the service and your Rheinberger postlude at the conclusion of the worship was incredible. We have never before heard the organ played with such power, dynamism and virtuosity. You are a truly gifted Church Musician and we look forward to seeing you again at some point. Thank you again from the whole community, here. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"We asked Des to play the organ at our wedding on 2nd September at Cambray Baptist Church. From start to finish he was absolutely amazing and an utter professional. He didn't bat an eyelid when we asked him to play complex and unusual music and seemed to know all the old fashioned hymns we requested. When the bride was late it didn't phase him and he played continually for over 30 minutes. He mastered the Sound of Music Wedding Processional and the Can Can as well as lots of hymns. He turned up for the rehearsal and on the day was absolutely wonderful. He is extraordinarily talented and a wonderful unflappable musician. We thoroughly recommend Des - he will not let you down! "

Reply by Des George - smooth piano plus
Thanks Josh and Lydia It was a lovely day and a pleasure to add a musical contribution to it - thanks for booking me!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"Gareth thank you for sharing your skill, talent, pizazz and flair for our Christmas Carol Service. Not quite sure how you managed to squeeze so much sound and fanfaral joy out of our little organ but the carols and hymns have never been played or indeed sung (not unrelated!) with such gusto. Your joyous finale at the conclusion of the service brought a smile to everyone's face. I hope we get to hear your playing again and cannot recommend this superb organist and musician highly enough for anyone who is looking for an organist - Gareth Giles is the man for the job!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review

"What an utter professional !! Gareth played for our wedding with 3 days' notice. He calmed us both and met our every request and more. His stylish playing is out of this world and truly made our day. Gareth - thank you from all of us for being a top bloke and musician "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: Report this review