Review Centre: Organists

"Very accomplished and popular pianist - was an asset to our piano bar on the Pride of Bruges."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"While planning a vintage tea party for Mum’s 90th birthday party, I needed an accompanist and piano player for my wartime and 40’s style sing along, which I planned to lead. My search found me the super talented and very accurate perfectionist Mark Burton at lastminutemusicians.com. When I made telephone contact and explained what I was planning, he totally understood and was very helpful making suggestions for songs to be played, arrangements and keys. We then had lots of communication over email, he was prompt to answer any questions and bent over backwards to help. On the day of the performance he greeted me with a smile and did his best to quell my nerves, during his solo spot, he played with distinction lots of old favourite tunes as background music. He played the piano in the venue for around 45 minutes solo then took a break and came back on his own keyboard with myself on vocals for a further hour set as accompaniment to my singing and the family sing along to tunes such as “putting on the Ritz” and a wartime medley from “pack up your troubles” through lots of other wonderful tunes ending on “land of hope and glory”. The result was that my Mother and indeed all of the family were thrilled to bits. They have been raving about it so much. It has given us outstanding and lasting memory of the perfect birthday with perfect entertainment supplied by Mark. Thank you so very much Mark you are an outstanding musician and I will recommend you to anyone in need."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I would just like to let anyone know who is considering or wanting an organist for their wedding (or any other event) Mark really is the best and in so many ways. He isn't money orientated. He goes above and beyond. His punctuality is just as great as his personality and his sense of humour. He stays in constant contact and he responded to every single one of my messages and calls even when they probably got annoying. He played the organ amazingly and made my wedding day all that bit more special. He really is a true professional!!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark has played for our choir numerous times since I have been a member and he always gives us 110% of his talent when acommpaning us. Mark's talent adds special undertones to our choir arrangements and makes us sound amazing. We're very grateful whenever Mark can play for us. "

Reply by Mark Burton - Wedding Organist / Pianist
Thanks for your lovely feedback Natalie, it's always a pleasure to play for you guys!

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:

"Enjoyed some great food, conversation and wine at the Gilbert Scott yesterday evening and realised the atmosphere was created buy the wonderful sound of Mark on the piano. Some flawless tunes and great covers - loved the Adele track. Thanks Mark I will be back soon!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I had the pleasure of working with Mark at Britta and Matt's wedding at Balliol College Chapel, Oxford last Saturday. He played the organ beautifully before and during their wedding ceremony, and was highly professional organising the timings with me and ensuring the entrance and exit of the bridal party went smoothly. The couple, as well as many of their guests, mentioned how fabulous Mark's playing was."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A truly superb organist - no other words!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Sam was excellent, he stepped in at the last minute and helped us out of what would have been an awkward situation for our wedding! His playing was fantastic and he did a great job of playing for the room and incorporating personal touches we had asked him for."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share 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:

"Mark, thank you for playing the piano so brilliantly at our Wedding Party last Thursday evening. Your music set the perfect atmosphere at the Belvedere, thank you for learning our requests quickly which were played with ease, and you even accompanied our guest West End singer without a run through and no sheet music! Many of our guests commented on your flawless performance and variety of music, Elton John, David Bowie and even Bollywood themes, amazing! We couldn’t have wished for anyone better, and would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone wanting an expert Wedding musician."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We needed an organist to play at our wedding at fairly short notice at our wedding in Northamptonshire. Anthony was fantastic and even learned what was a relatively obscure piece that we had wanted to be played as my wife entered the church with her father. He played our other hymns beautifully and then played Widor's Toccata as we left the church. Anthony was a pleasure to deal with in the lead-up to the wedding - he was responsive, flexible, helpful and made great suggestions. I would have no hesitation in recommending Anthony, and indeed my wife's sister has now asked if Anthony is free to play at her wedding as well."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share 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:

"Sam was amazing in every way - he was accomodating with all song requests and played our ceremony and reception drinks beautifully! He was such a professional and entertaining performer. Even before we booked Sam, he accommodated every query I had - I including sending me a bespoke video of songs I wanted him to perform! Thank you so much Sam!"

Reply by Sam on Keys
Thanks, Louisa! I was really pleased to be part of such a lovely day - and the weather played nice!

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Mark, thank you for making our evening so special at the Gilbert Scott. We loved your music - superb piano playing!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: