Review Centre: Organists

"Having made an aerial video of the Cardston, Alberta Temple (Mormon temple), Alberta Canada I contacted Mark to see if he could compose and play a piece of music that would fit with the video. We were hoping to get something "inspiring" and "moving." What Mark produced was truly inspirational and we knew right away that his music was absolutely perfect and we thank Mark for his wonderful talent. Here is a link for you to enjoy https://vimeo.com/136541192 "

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thanks for your kind words Mike. I'm pleased that you are happy with the composition!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Guests made a point of telling us how much they enjoyed Des's music, which everyone agreed added to the success of the evening. Des is a talented keyboard player and versatile as well."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth is ABSOLUTELY superb in every way. "

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:

"Gareth accompanied my son for his recent violin exam He makes the whole experience fun and had my nervous and grumpy son relaxed and laughing within minutes during the rehearsal I was stunned at what this GENIUS and gifted, talented accompanist and teacher was able to draw out of my son in so short a space of time. He even did work on the aural tests which had been previously refused at home or in lessons and my son achieved FULL marks in that section and a distinction overall !!! What more can I say ?!!! He was only predicted a pass and it was Gareth's skills and encouragement that brought out the BEST in the student. As an ex teacher I recognise Gareth's innate gift for enthusing and engaging the young mind and his accompaniment and musicianship skills are simply amazing. He was kind, helpful and exceptionally generous with his time staying for over DOUBLE the time for which we had paid to make sure my son was at ease with every aspect of the exam My son now wants to continue the violin, has been practising and has remembered all the performance techniques and nuances that Gareth has embued. ANY PARENT reading this looking for a superb and kind accompanist should look no further. Gareth thank you from Shawn and all of us. You are a genius !!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Laurence played at our Golden Wedding Anniversary and his lovely music made it a fantastic evening. He included many of my favourite songs and was really friendly and approachable...well done, Laurence!"

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"We struggled to get a organist for our wedding and found Mark online. Having listened to his work, we knew we'd found the right man and as such his work, in terms of content and quality, was perfect for our wedding. Mark played Canon in D, Amazing Grace amongst the four pieces he played and made an excellent contribution to our day. Would definitely recommend his work to anyone. Thanks, Mark and Lauren"

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thank you for your feedback Mark. I enjoyed playing for you and Lauren, and a special mention must go to Aaron who sang 'Amazing Grace' so well in church, with just a quick run through before hand! Good luck for the future, Mark B. (May 2016)

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow Mark is simply incredible. We were lucky enough to have him play for our ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast and he didn’t disappoint. He set up all 3 keyboards and pianos prior to the event to make a swift change to each station. He was simply remarkable to listen to and several guests kept thinking we had a CD on and would then turn around and see Mark. If you’re looking for the best pianist then look no further! "

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thank you Holly for such a lovely review! It was truly a magnificent day, everything was just perfect. You both looked stunning, and it was such a pleasure to play for you at Holkham Hall on your special day - I loved playing the Steinway piano in the Hall especially!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth is absolutely amazing! He happily learnt our song requests for our wedding and played so beautifully for our hymns, during the register signing and while our guests were coming in. His style of playing is so brilliant and his music added so much to the ceremony. Can’t recommend enough! "

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:

"Sam's exemplary articulation in music by Jehan Alain and Marcel Dupré guaranteed perfect clarity."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would just like to say a big thanks what you did for me and my family meant a lot and you played so beautifully and that means the world. Reviewed by: Sean Dent"

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:

"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:

"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: