Review Centre: Organists

"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:

"There is not enough space to write about all of Richard's wonderful musical qualities and his super positive personality. He works extremely hard and with passion in all his music projects and performances and has a heart of pure gold. He can play a wide range of musical genres and is never phased by requests for people's favourites. He can play live or produce great quality videos to suit the occasion. Very flexible, being able to play the piano and the organ to a very high standard, complemented by his compere Rowen, they make a perfect team. Always pleases his audience, with a big smile, great sense of humour and plays the music perfectly, Richard is definitely our number one choice!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Robert was excellent and played 2 x 45 minute sets during an Army Dinner and the National Anthem . I will be booing him again. "

Rating: 9 / 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:

"Des played at a school event, set in an Orchard, I recently attended. The music was perfect for the occasion and created a lovely atmosphere. Would highly recommend."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sebastian did a spectacular job arranging the music for my father's funeral. My father had left very specific directions for the music he wanted, and we had a week to plan it. Sebastian arranged a 16 member choir, a fantastic organist and trumpeter. It was spectacular and everyone commented on how superb the music was. Plus, it was very organised and hassle free. Thank you Sebastian!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Hi Mark, We wanted to say thank you so much for the outstanding music you brought to Alana's wedding on 8th December. Both the music at the church and later at the reception was exceptional. Your interpretation of the Theme from the Secret Garden was beautiful: a tune that Alana had always dreamed of walking down the aisle to since a child. You rocked the church with 'Happy' whilst the register was being signed, even the vicar was moving to the beat! You're ability to play all genres from Cathedral Organ to Pop, Bollywood to Jazz was amazing. We have been asked by so many guests who you were. Of course we gave them your contact details. We hope to see you again for further celebrations in the near future. Once again, thank you Mark, you are the best. With best wishes. "

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Gill, thank you for such a fantastic review! It really was a pleasure to play for you all, it was a wonderful Christmas Wedding. Also, many thanks to Neil who helped me move the keyboard so quickly out of the church to the Drinks Reception. The Ceremony was very special and I was pleased to be able to perform all the different styles of music that you asked for, especially Alana's entrance music, the Theme from the Secret Garden on piano. I wish you and the family all the best for the future, please keep in touch. Mark

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Stunning - Gareth Giles is an outstanding ORGANIST and utterly professional virtuoso. Thanks you Mr Giles - you make music breathe with your excellence and sensitivity."

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:

"Gareth played for my late Father's funeral last week. He was sincere, professional and supportive at this difficult time. His musical suggestions were just right for 'Dad' and everyone in the family and our friends from far away commented on the beautiful organ playing. I highly recommend Gareth's musical services - he is a genuine, kind man and outstanding musician."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Gareth is so talented at playing the piano, and organ. You don't want to do anything else but sit and listen to him. The movement on the keyboard is so quick, you wonder how he gets the right tunes he plays. Will definitely be booking him again for next year. 10/10 jean"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely fantastic! Gareth was ultra accommodating and truly made our wedding ceremony with his perfect playing. We met him prior to the day and he was so helpful with regard to our music choices. His email correspondence was fabulous and extremely quick. On the day, we had so many comments about Gareth's performance including from our priest who was very impressed and may hopefully book Gareth for a church event in the future! Aside from his general brilliance, he topped my day when he played the Harry Potter theme as we signed the register. It was a tingly moment! We can't recommend Gareth enough. Gareth, thank you so much, we will never forget you"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"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. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you Mark for everything you did for us on the day. The organ music was perfect before the ceremony, the wedding march was superb and our song to walk out was better than we had imagined. The background music on the piano during the wedding breakfast was absolutely spot on and we loved hearing the songs we had chosen beforehand, as did our mothers! All in all, a superb service from before the wedding to the last note. The music was both a highlight and yet totally unobtrusive, which is a real talent! So thank you again Mark, we can not recommend you enough. "

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thank you James for a lovely review. It was lovely to play the Organ and Piano for you at Westminster College - such a beautiful setting! I enjoyed playing all of your musical choices, especially on the organ in the ceremony. Good luck for the future, keep in touch.

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: