Review Centre: Organists

"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:

"I just wanted to say a massive thank you for Saturday. You were amazing! You really helped to set the mood for our day. All our guests commented on how much they enjoyed listening to you. Thank you so much for accompanying Georgina too. It was brilliant and made our ceremony so special. Thank you for making the whole planning process so easy too. I promise that I will recommend you to everyone."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark played in the bar at the Christmas Ball at RAF Wyton. The music was great, he played lots of Christmas music as requested, and we had lots of positive feedback. This is the second time we had booked him, as he also played at our Summer Ball earlier in the year. Mark was very friendly, flexible, easy to book, and really added to the atmosphere. We would recommend!"

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thanks for your lovely review Alex, I had a great time too, and I look forward to the next one!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lawrence's playing was the highlight of our day on the cruise and provided a very varied programme of music. His repertoire was all embracing and entertaining whilst we supped our wine! He readily offered to play requests and his improvisation just had to be heard. Thank you Lawrence."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Having seen the results of Lester's work over a number of years I would highly recommend. Wonderful accompanist, amazing all round musician, really gets the best out of his pupils. Angie Bertolotti "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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:

"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:

"Gareth - dude , man what a guy ! Thanks a bunch again. Your music was amazing. It was a really good idea of yours to Skype to discuss what we wanted as we did not have a clue so you playing so many 100's of options live for us was absolutely brilliant. It was a real shame we could not meet you live until the day as we has such fun in that long Skype call and your humour and comments had us in stitches ! On the day your playing was exquisite as my Mother put it and Louise found herself entranced when she was meant to be doing the registers as she wanted to listen to the beautiful selection of John Rutter anthems that you had arranged specially as there was no choir. We cannot recommend this musician more highly for Gareth is one cool guy, lovely to work with, knows everything and plays with command, authority and sheer joy. A lovely bloke and a real professional. Thanks Gareth for making our planning fun and our day so enjoyable - IF YOU READ THIS BOOK HIM"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Des provided live solo piano entertainment at our home for my wife's 60th birthday. We had about 45 guests and we are lucky enough to have a large lounge with our own baby grand. Des started playing at about 3.30 in the afternoon and played and entertained our guests for 6 hours on and off with every style of music from classical to jazz. It was absolutely brilliant and we are very grateful to him for helping make the day complete. "

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:

"Anthony played beautifully for our wedding! We requested some difficult repertoire which Anthony played flawlessly and with such expression. He even prepared a new piece for our signing music. Anthony was happy to consult with us to make sure we were completely happy with our music selections. We ended up with a mixture of his suggestions and our requests which worked perfectly on the day! Thank you Anthony!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth was the organist at a civic service at which my brother and I were asked to play trumpet. He met with us, liased with the organisers, provided suitable music and accompanied us. He took the lead with a keen sense of humour, made it fun but was always focused consequently the music at the service received nothing but praise. Subsequently I have practiced a couple of concertos and other works with him accompanying. He quickly and accurately picked up the music. It was a rewarding and enjoyable experience and I look forward to continuing working with him."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth is a very talented and tecnically accomplished musician. He can play across all genres ; classical, jazz, lounge music, singalong, film and show music all to a very high standard. Besides his virtuosity it is what he brings to the occasion in his versatilty, adaptability and own personality that makes him special. He approaches everything with professionalism. From understanding the brief, programming, impressive playing to personal impact. He can be quiet and remain in the background through to being lively and create fun. He is not put off by requests and can adapt and write his own music. I first met Gareth when he was the given accompanianist for me as a singer and I was immediately struck by his sensitive and supportive playing. He then came to play a short concert I arranged for patients at a local hospice. He designed a lovely mixed programme but playing in such situations needs sensitivity to the mood and needs of the listeners, versality as well as virtuosity and the ability to interact with patients and staff. The overwhelming response was "When can Gareth come again". I have already booked a return date."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Garreth - thank you for your divine organ playing for our service last Sunday. Your leadership of the hymn singing was truly inspiring and the whole congregation was in awe of your extemporisation and voluntaries. Please come again and I cannot recommend Garreth's musicianship highly enough. Thank you again. Dorina"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: