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2008 programme with photo's
This page details of the organists booked to appear during 2008. |
Tuesday January 15th. 2008
 NICHOLAS MARTIN. Nicholas Martin's musical career started when he first studied the piano at nine years of age. He began to take a keen interest in the organ shortly afterwards. During a family visit to Blackpool, in 1969 (at the age of five), he overheard the Wurlitzer organ being played in the famous Tower Ballroom by none other than "Mr Blackpool" - Reginald Dixon. Upon hearing the sound of this unique organ, Nick was totally smitten - in fact, he never quite got over it! Subsequently, after he started learning to play the organ, at age eleven, it became his driving ambition to perform at this famous venue. Amazingly, Nick's Tower Ballroom ambition was realised in 1981, and he accepted a post as resident organist - an ambition achieved at just 17 years of age!
He played there solidly, seven days a week, during the 1981 and 1982 seasons. Quite literally, a dream had come true!
During 1982, Nick was approached by Nigel Turner, a businessman from Northampton. Mr Turner proposed opening a new organ entertainments complex - Turner's. The feature piece would be a large Wurlitzer organ (formerly of the Paramount Cinema, Newcastle). Nick commenced duty at Turner's, as resident Wurlitzer organist, in April 1983, and remained there until its closure in June 2004 - a period of some 21years (and two months!). It is widely recognised that during that time, Turner's catered to over three million paying visitors! Whilst at Northampton, Nick recorded over thirty albums on "Turner's Wurlitzer" as well as Video's and DVD's. He is heard on BBC Radio 2's "The Organist Entertains" programme, and has made several appearances on TV. Another claim to fame is a CD he made of non-copyright music. This is held in the Carlin Recorded Music Library in London, and is used by Media companies world-wide, when the sound of a Wurlitzer theatre organ is required. One of the major highlights in Nick's musical career was an initial offer (in 1985) to perform in concert at the Kirk of Dunedin - a community church on the West Coast of Florida. Since that first visit, he has been asked to return time after time. February 2006 saw his 18th trip across the Atlantic - performing to over 2,000 people. After Turner's closed in 2004, Nick was offered the role of Musical Director at Wicksteed Park (Kettering, Northants.). Wicksteed is a family theme-park set in 127 acres, and has been open since the 1920's. Nick performs in the Pavilion Theatre, using his Technics G-100 for the various shows. Over 120 Variety and Christmas shows are planned for 2007.
In September 1995, the Nicholas Martin Fan Club was formed. Members receive a quarterly newsletter which explains in great detail about Nick's activities and playing whereabouts. Present membership is over 550 and costs £6.00 per annum.
Nick, his wife Marianne and their two sons, James & Joshua, live in Markfield, Leics.
Sadly both boys have autism, which severely affects their learning and communication skills. In February 2001, Nick and Marianne co-founded a charity for autistic children - Miracles to Believe in (registered charity no. 1101463). Since its inception, well over £100,000 has been raised to improve facilities at the Unit and help autistic sufferers in the Midlands.
which severely affects their learning and communication skills. In February 2001, Nick and Marianne co-founded a charity for autistic children - Miracles to Believe in (registered charity no. 1101463). Since its inception, well over £100,000 has been raised to improve facilities at the Unit and
help autistic sufferers in the Midlands.
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Wed. Feb. 6th JAMES SARGEANT - Tues. Feb. 19th. RYAN EDWARDS
 Wednesday February 6th. 2008. JAMES SARGEANT.
See UPDATE page for further detail regarding the 6th. February concert.
Tuesday February 19th. 2008
RYAN EDWARDS. (photo) Concert organist, Ryan Edwards, was born in Derbyshire on February 4th, 1978. Having developed a passion for organs at an early age, through the influence of his grandfather, an amateur organist, Ryan embarked on his first electronic organ lessons at the tender age of eight on an old Gulbranson organ.
Ryan's enthusiasm for organ playing later led him to seek tuition from top organist Tim Flint, who managed to foster his natural talent and put him at the forefront of the concert circuit.
He started his public life back in 1992, when he appeared as a junior at the National Electronic Organ Festival in Morecambe, which were followed by appearances in 1993 and 1994. His popularity grew rapidly and bookings started coming in thick and fast. He became a professional organist in 1996. Ryan's first recording "Skyliner" was released in 1995 and he later went on to record "Now ... I Know Why" in 1997. A further CD " Re Draft" was issued in 2001. Tracks from all three albums have been featured on the BBC Radio 2 programme 'The Organist Entertains'. He has also produced a Performance Disk on the Yamaha EL900 for the Yamaha Club, being sold through Inter-Active, the official club magazine for the Yamaha enthusiast. Tracks are 'At Last/I Know Why', 'Festal Day', 'March of the Cobblers' and 'Zampa'. Ryan's continued popularity on the circuit could be a result of his fresh approach to organ playing which is reflected in the variety of styles of music in his concert programme.
He understands the need to awaken new interest in the organ especially in his generation by appealing to both traditional and modern tastes. In his spare time Ryan is a keen sports enthusiast, regularly playing snooker, golf, running, walking, swimming and generally keeping fit. He also enjoys going to local and national concerts and to the theatre as much as possible. |
Tuesday March 18th. 2008
 MARK THOMPSON: has been playing the Electronic organ from the age of seven. After gaining interest, he joined the Technics Academy at the age of nine, where he worked his way through grades, and entered local competitions, reaching area finals in 1999.
Mark later taught by Chiho Sunamato at the Yamaha School of Music. He began playing concerts at the age of fifteen, and now travels up and down the country playing the Yamaha EL90.
In 2002 he played and won in the ‘Young Theatre Organist of the Year’ and played at ‘Youth at the Console’ each summer on the Howden-le-wear Wurlitzer.
Mark has also oganised and played a number of concerts at his local cricket club to raise money for various charities.
At present he keeps very busy playing concerts on the Yamaha EL 90, playing two nights a week in a soul band on the keyboard and working as rehearsal pianist for two operatic societies and in the orchestra for their annual shows.
Any spare time Mark likes to play the church organ, and has played the Messiah, the Creation, and recently an Easter concert for various choirs. Mark has also played at many weddings.
He likes to play piano duets with a former music teacher entering music festivals whenever possible.
Last year Mark released his first CD playing the Yamaha EL90 before going to Durham University to study maths.
Mark’s ambition is to continue playing as much music as possible for people to enjoy |
Tuesday April 15th. 2008
 PHIL KELSALL: Blackpool Tower’s Ballroom is home to what must be the most famous and most played Wurlitzer in the world and Phil Kelsall has amazingly now completed 33 years at the Tower, having been appointed in 1975, initially as organist in the Tower Circus band with occasional appearances in the Ballroom. In 1977 Ernest Broadbent the then Tower organist, retired through ill-health and Phil was the obvious choice as the new principal resident organist, a position he has held ever since. The link between the Tower Ballroom and the BBC has always been a strong one, more recently through the hit series Strictly Come Dancing . The legendary Reginald Dixon broadcasts will be particularly remembered by many and Phil Kelsall was to continue this link when in 1980 he was asked by the BBC to record for the Sam on Sunday shows, following Reginald Dixon’s retirement part way through that series. Phil has also acted as a guest presenter for Radio 2’s The Organist Entertains. Numerous credits have also included Radio 4’s long running The Archers and Radio 2’s flagship music programme, Friday Night is Music Night. Television and film crews never seem to be far away from the Tower Ballroom and Phil has been filmed demonstrating the Wurlitzer, sometimes along with celebrities such as David Soul, Barbara Windsor and even Rod Hull and Emu to name but a few. The BBC recorded an edition of Songs of Praise at the Tower featuring Phil at the Wurlitzer. During the past few months the sound of the Wurlitzer has once again returned to the TV screen, with appearances in yet another edition of Songs of Praise, this time from the Thursford Christmas Spectacular show and also as part of the New Year’s Eve celebrations from Blackpool Tower. Off camera, Phil’s music has been heard in TV adverts and in programmes such as Last of the Summer Wine. The demands on Phil for concert appearances have always been heavy and his touring season begins at the end of October and continues until May each year when he returns to the Tower Ballroom for the summer season. A significant engagement is playing the Wurlitzer at the Thursford Collection for their season of Christmas shows, which runs to around 70 performances each year, performing to an estimated audience of over 110,000. Phil performs frequent concerts in the USA and has undertaken a highly successful tour of Australia and New Zealand. Phil Kelsall’s first recording, Thank You for the Music, was released by EMI in 1978 and at least one album has been recorded by Phil at the Tower each year since then. Together with recordings made on various electronic instruments, notably the Technics SX FA1, Phil has over 40 albums to his credit, excluding compilations and re-issues, and it has been estimated that he now has more recordings available than any other organist in the world. In 1987 Phil Kelsall became the first British theatre organist to release an album on CD. No fewer than three of Phil’s recordings have won the Music Retailers Association’s award as best middle of the road non-vocal recording. In the summer of 2001 a compilation double album of some of his light classical recordings was released on the prestigious Universal Classics label and in its first week entered the Classical Albums Chart as the highest new entry of the week at number six. Phil’s album was to remain in the Classic Top 20 for an amazing twelve consecutive weeks, an unprecedented achievement for a theatre organ album. In the 1980s the video was becoming a popular form of home entertainment and, determined to respond to continually changing trends, Phil released the first known commercial theatre organ video in 1983, recorded naturally at the Tower, which for the first time brought the unique visual atmosphere of the Tower Ballroom into the home. A series of videos followed, many of which are now available on DVD. It is in recognition of Phil Kelsall’s contribution to the world of organ music that several other honours have been bestowed upon him. He has held the title of ‘Organ World Personality of the Year’ and he was elected Patron of the Theatre Organ Club on four occasions. In 1987 he was voted President of the Theatre Organ Club, and is only the second person to hold this office in the Club’s long history. In 1993, Phil Kelsall was particularly proud to receive the coveted Gold Badge Award of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors for his service to the British music industry. Fellow recipients of this award have included Shirley Bassey and Jools Holland. In a change of direction from playing and recording, 1997 saw the launch by the music publishers IMP of a music album of tunes arranged for organ by Phil, as featured on several of his recordings. During the time that Phil Kelsall has been entertaining the public, communications and home entertainment have been revolutionised. The internet has become widespread and information about Phil and his music is now available to a far wider audience than ever before through his own website. CDs have replaced cassettes and video has largely given way to DVD. By enthusiastically embracing these technological changes, Phil ensures that his timeless music can remain available, not only for the enjoyment of today’s audiences but also for those of tomorrow. |
Tuesday May 20th. 2008
 CHRIS STANBURY (born 1980) lives in Banstead, Surrey. He started playing the electronic organ at the age 6 at the Croydon Yamaha Music School. In 1989 he was selected to play this particular instrument, solo, at the Yamaha Junior National Showcase in Solihull. Chris remembers being thrilled at the opportunity to fulfil his ambition – that of being able to play to an audience, something that he had wanted to do since seeing artistes such as Glyn Madden, Martin Harris and Max Takano perform. At the age of ten Chris was encouraged to branch out and explore the hidden mysteries of the theatre organ. After only a few hours tuition under the expert guidance of Len Rawle, he entered the ATOS ‘Young Organist of The Year’ competition, for which he was awarded the Christie Cup. Despite his enthusiasm for electronic instruments, Chris has a fond love for the Cinema organ and relishes the opportunities he gets to perform on them. His appetite whetted for keyboard instruments, Chris also took up studying both the Piano and Classical Organ, playing regularly for weddings and Sunday services at his local church. In 1992, at the age of 12, Chris won the National Yamaha Electone Festival (Junior Section) and appeared as a guest performer in the UK finals of the Open Section at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. Chris found that his concert work had, regrettably, to be put on hold during his final years at school and then for a further two years during which he obtained his A Levels as well as his ALCM and LLCM music diplomas. In January of 2001 Chris returned to stage work, beginning the first year of an already busy concert diary playing the Yamaha EL900 Electone. His concert programme consists of all styles of music and caters for all tastes - from classical through to jazz and to pop. Recordings of Chris’ performances have featured on BBC Southern Counties Radio alongside the world-renowned organist Hector Olivera. As well as giving concerts, Chris has now completed his Bachelor of Music degree from the London College of Music obtaining Honours. He will now be going ahead with his Master's Degree. Aside from studying at the college, Chris also teaches keyboards and piano there part-time and successfully passed his Fellowship diploma (FLCM) in June 2001.
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Tuesday June 17th. 2008
 PHIL BROWN started playing the organ at the age of eleven. One day whilst standing outside a local organ shop waiting for his father, he was intrigued by the sounds coming through the open shop door. He ventured inside and invested the now meagre amount of 50 pence in his first organ lesson, and from this beginning has flourished a fruitful career.
After only two years of lessons at the age of thirteen, Phil began performing in public. His first public appearances were performing for children of a similar age and younger at children's Christmas parties in and around the Derby area, his home town. At the same age he also became the resident organist at perhaps the best restaurant in Derby at the time, the Golden Pheasant, where he played for three years, three times a week, on the top of the range Hammond organ entertaining people from 8pm through until 11pm whilst they dined, and afterwards for dancing. On many an occasion he had the good fortune to meet celebrities such as Bob Monkhouse, Syd Lawrence, Des O'Connor and many others who were performing in Derby at the time.
Highlights of Phil's career have been appearing at the age of 17 with Des O'Connor, playing on the same bill as his idol Klaus Wunderlich, backing such artists as Norman Collier, playing as supporting act every year with the late Joe Loss and his Orchestra, also Syd Lawrence and his Orchestra at the Derby Assembly Rooms, where he has been the resident organist for the past 20 years playing for both social and tea dances. Phil is also a very accomplished pianist, having played the piano since he was 16 and passing many exams and diplomas in quite a short space of time, including CT FVCM, Hon VCM, Cert Mus Ed. With his most recent highlights of his career he can call himself truly international. He has performed as far afield as America, Spain and plays every two years in the Channel Islands where he has also been on the "air waves" playing on Radio Guernsey. He has also performed in Germany twice for Bohm Electronic GmbH at Organ Festivals. Broadcasting is definitely not a new venture for Phil as he is regularly featured on BBC Radio 2's programme, The Organist Entertains. Having recently signed a recording contract with Grosvenor Recording Studios in Birmingham, his CDs and cassettes are available throughout the British Isles selling in HMV and Virgin Megastores.
Phil's life at the moment is a very busy one, performing from John O'Groats to Lands End and teaching people in and around the Derby area. For the past three years he has played in front of 30,000 people every September for Derby City Leisure services with the East of England Orchestra at an open air concert in the park. When he is not entertaining people with his musical talents he is entertaining guests at home, because his idea of relaxation is cooking a curry for friends - he may be pretty hot on the organ but when it comes to an Indian curry, there is no-one hotter!!
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Tuesday July 15th. 2008
 CHIHO SUNAMOTO, who has recently been described as the Vanessa May of the organ and keyboard world, brings a breath of fresh air onto the keyboard scene. Originally from Matsuyama, in the South of Japan, Chiho began by learning the piano at the age of 3, from there progressing at the age of 9 to the local Yamaha Music School to learn the art of organ playing. During Chiho's time at St. Katerina University, where she studied opera singing, piano and classical organ, she became one of the youngest people to pass Yamaha's top exam, Grade 3 Music Diploma. Twice Chiho was a finalist in the Yamaha Electone (organ) Festival, which led to offers of work from Yamaha as an overseas demonstrator and
contracts with two of Japan's major TV stations where she composed and performed for a variety of shows. After leaving University, Chiho continued to tour as an overseas demonstrator for Yamaha, performing in 37 countries. In 1986 she settled in the North East of England and has continued to perform both nationally and internationally. As well as performing, Chiho teaches organ and piano, and is the only female in Europe to hold Yamaha top exam passes in Piano, Organ and Music Fundamentals. Since being based in the UK, Chiho has released 8 CDs, 9 cassettes and a video featuring a range of music. She has also released several software discs and music books for Yamaha.
Notable public performances include:-
Edinburgh Festival, Becks Theatre London, Blackpool Tower Centenary concert which was broadcast live on Radio 2, the Bridgewater Hall Manchester, and the Fairfield Hall, Croydon. Her latest TV performance is part of the Channel 4 documentary series about the organ, entitled "Howard Goodall's Organ Works"
Chiho plays the latest top of the range, state of the art, all singing, all dancing electronic Yamaha Organs and Clavinova that sound one minute like the Berlin Philharmonic and the next like Deep Purple. She also sings like an angel and has a smile that would melt Mount Fuji. Her love of music and performing, combined with her sunny personality, guarantee that anyone attending one of her performances will have an enjoyable time. Her diverse musical tastes that includes classical composers through Bach, Beethoven,
Chopin, Rachmaninoff to Frank Sinatra, ensures there is something for everyone in her performances.
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Tuesday August 19th. 2008
 ANDREW NIX, born 22nd August 1968 just outside Selby, N. Yorks,, has established himself on the organ circuit not only as a musician but also as an entertainer. His varied musical repertoire along with his Yorkshire humour has made him one of the country's favourite performers. It was when Andrew reached the age of ten that his interest in organs became apparent. His mother had an organ at home and Andrew sat down and learnt several Christmas carols (even though it was in the middle of summer). His parents saw the potential and arranged lessons for him. Although he was taught by two teachers (one being classical) he soon developed his own style. Shortly after leaving school Andrew was offered three nights a week playing in a local club where he accompanied artistes and played for dancing.
This 'training" proved priceless as at 17 years old he was appointed Organist and Musical Director for a Theatre Group performing at Butlins, Barry Island. Andrew thoroughly enjoyed this position as he was gaining experience and confidence. After three further seasons with Butlins and one for Haven holidays Andrew became fully freelance as he was increasingly in demand for concerts and dances nation-wide on both Theatre and Electronic organs.
In May 2000 Andrew started performing on a Roland Atelier and now currently tours with the fantastic AT80-S-AK as one of Rolands UK (Freelance) Artistes. Andrew fell in love with the richness of the Atelier producing crystal clear sounds perfect for his wide range of styles. The audiences are enthralled by the range of sounds and are stunned by the truly authentic Theatre organ sounds, which are an asset to Andrews programme. From Ballads to Latin, Marches to Musicals Andrew performs music to suit all tastes played in a refreshing style and presented with his own brand of light hearted humour. Andrew is one of the busiest performers on the circuit but still plays for dances, accompanies cabaret shows and even squeezes in appearances over seas. This lifestyle has given him the opportunity to work with many top cabaret names. Still living in the Selby area Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and family. He and Lisa married in 1993 and they have three lovely daughters, Stacey, Melissa and Ashleigh. |
Tuesday September 16th. 2008
 RICHARD BOWER was born on 21st March 1966 and started playing the electronic organ ten years later, performing his first local concert in 1979. The following year saw him perform his first session backing a cabaret artist and his first concert for an organ society.
In 1982 Richard appeared on BBC1 Television and local radio after winning the Home Organist of the Year Award. Leaving school the same year to pursue a career in music, he played at his first keyboard festival.
Two years later he turned professional and toured the UK with a major Japanese manufacturer. The following year he played at the first Festival organised by Keyboard Cavalcade and has had the pleasure of appearing at all their festivals since then.
1986 saw his first appearance with another young organist, Ian Griffin, and they joined forces to form the very popular duo called Keyklix. A couple of years later they were recorded live by BBC Radio2 on stage at the Morecambe Festival
This same year (1989) Richard produced his first solo cassette entitled "Two Sides of Richard Bower", following this with his first solo broadcast on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio WM, and then commenced a series of shows backing local and national celebrities. He also performed at an open air concert backing national TV stars.
In 1993 Richard moved to Cumbria and started another phase of his musical career by establishing what has become a thriving music school. However, he still found time to be recorded live on stage for BBC Radio Bristol in 1994.
In 1995 he released his second cassette, this time entitled "On the Road", tracks from which were broadcast on BBC Radio 2. He also recorded a talking book with Penny Weedon, called "Make Friends with MIDI".
The following year Richard founded Harmony Cottage Audio, a fully digital recording service dedicated to helping young organists produce professional quality cassettes at affordable prices. At the same time he purchased a Yamaha Electone EL90, which he used for some years as his concert instrument.
The next year saw Harmony Cottage Software formed, releasing new software disks for Yamaha EL and HS series Electones. A new album was recorded - "In a Mellow Mood" - from which tracks were featured on BBC Radio 2.
Since his appointment in 1998 as a Yamaha-Kemble Music (UK) freelance demonstrator, his reputation has spread to a nationwide audience, and he can now be seen working around the country on the latest Electone organs, Clavinova digital pianos, and PSR keyboards.
Richard Bower is now firmly established as one of the keyboard festival and society favourites. His easy-going style has won him many friends and followers over the last 15 years and he has now become a familiar sight and sound at the top keyboard events in the UK and organ societies.
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Tuesday October 21st. 2008
 KEVIN GRUNILL has rapidly built a fine reputation as one of the UK’s finest keyboard exponents. Such is the extent of his musicianship that he is equally at home on the modern electronic instruments as well as the more traditional pipe organ and piano. Kevin was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire in 1972 and had shown an interest in all matters of a musical nature at an early age. However, it was not until the age of twelve that he began to learn the electronic organ as his chosen instrument. At the age of sixteen, Kevin began to take an interest in the sound of the mighty theatre organ and it was a natural musical progression that he should begin to study this type of instrument, for which he developed a different playing style to that of his electronic organ performances. It was not long after this that Kevin began performing concerts throughout the country, featuring both electronic and theatre organs.
In addition to his concert appearances and providing music in strict tempo for ballroom dancing, Kevin decided to continue his musical education and studied at a performing arts college before furthering his skills at Leeds University where, in 1994, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Degree in music. Since graduating from University, Kevin has performed at many of the country’s major musical venues, including The Town Hall, Ossett, The State Theatre, Kilburn, The Granada Television Studios Manchester, both The Queen Elizabeth Hall and Royal Festival Hall in London, The Playhouse Theatre, Weston-Super-Mare and the Opera House and Tower Ballroom, Blackpool. Kevin has also performed at numerous organ societies and private residences both here in this country and abroad, including the City Theatre and Tuschinski Theatre in Amsterdam. One of the highlights in Kevin’s career came in 1997, when he was chosen to be the new resident organist at the North Pier, Blackpool.
In this prestigious position, he has entertained hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers in a town that has a long tradition in presenting the very best in organ music. His duties in Blackpool also see him at the console of the famous Wurlitzer organ in the Tower Ballroom, in addition to his performances at the North Pier. Additional to his concert and dance appearances, one of Kevin’s other interests is Musical Theatre.
Kevin has worked as Musical Director and Producer on a number of theatrical productions, ranging from “The Good Old Days” to Pantomime. With a constantly increasing number of concert dates throughout the width and breadth of the country, plus frequent appearances on national radio and television programmes, this likeable and easy-going Yorkshireman is winning an ever-increasing number of admirers, which is reflected in the constantly rising demand for his recordings.
One of Kevin’s main interests is the history and construction of the theatre organ. In 1994, Kevin realised one of his greatest ambitions, when he purchased the 4/10 Compton that once graced Birmingham’s Paramount/Odeon Cinema.
This instrument is currently installed in the Penistone Paramount in South Yorkshire, where it is used on a regular basis for film and concert events. Kevin is often to be found at the console of this magnificent instrument during the winter months.
Such is the popularity of this instrument and the shows that Kevin presents, that, in March 2001, Pennine Yorkshire Tourism awarded the Compton shows, which feature Kevin, with the prestigious ‘Visitor Attraction of the Year’ award.
Not only is Kevin a highly acclaimed concert and dance artiste, who is in great demand at venues all over the country but also this young organist was awarded the ‘Special Personality of the Year’ award, which was presented to him by Pennine Yorkshire Tourism in March 2001.
This coveted award was given to Kevin not only in recognition of his success at the North Pier and Tower Ballroom, Blackpool but also for the thousands of tourists that he has attracted to the Yorkshire area through his regular concert appearances. |
Tuesday November 18th. 2008
SARAH FOLEY, Born in 1988 is rapidly taking the UK Organ, Keyboard and light entertainment scene by storm.
Sarah is an extremely accomplished and versatile musician and performs concerts and shows on a wide range of instruments, from modern electronic organs and keyboards to the alto sax. Not only is Sarah a musician, she is also an entertainer who's personality and stage presence are becoming well known.
Sarah has a real passion for what she does and it shines through in her unique arrangements and exact attention to detail and technique. It is no surprise her concert diary is growing daily.
Sarah has been playing since she was six, when she received a keyboard for Christmas. She progressed so well that her parents found her a tutor and, at the age of just 7, she started performing in public.
She went on to become the first winner of the Mark Shakespeare Memorial shield at the age of 8, awarded to her at the Barton Hall music festival in Torquay. She was taught by her local Yamaha school until they closed down. She then had a private tutor until he moved up country, and now works on her own music and arrangements. She is also fortunate enough to be given guidance on music and stagecraft by Alan Ashton, the well known columnist and Organfax contributor.
At 8 years old she was featured on BBC Spotlight news and her public appearances really took off. Since then she has played all over the UK at many different venues, the biggest being at the Yamaha showcase at the Birmingham symphony hall. Sarah progressed to Electronic Organ when she was 11, starting with a Yamaha HCW4 and working up through the Yamaha EL series to her present EL700. She also plays the alto saxophone and is currently working on her grade 7.
Over the past few years Sarah has built up a strong reputation on the UK organ and keyboard circuit and regularly performs nationwide. However, she enjoys playing for local charities as well, and also performs in theatres and at various hotels around the Torbay area, combining humour into some of her acts. Sarah sometimes plays with her two sisters and they are known as "The Foleytribe".
She is currently at college studying A level music, music technology, performing arts and sound engineering. After taking her exams in the summer, she hopes to focus fully on her musical career.
Born in 1988, Sarah Foley is rapidly taking the UK Organ, Keyboard and light entertainment scene by storm.
Sarah is an extremely accomplished and versatile musician and performs concerts and shows on a wide range of instruments, from modern electronic organs and keyboards to the alto sax. Not only is Sarah a musician, she is also an entertainer who's personality and stage presence are becoming well known.
Sarah has a real passion for what she does and it shines through in her unique arrangements and exact attention to detail and technique. It is no surprise her concert diary is growing daily.
Sarah has been playing since she was six, when she received a keyboard for Christmas. She progressed so well that her parents found her a tutor and, at the age of just 7, she started performing in public.
She went on to become the first winner of the Mark Shakespeare Memorial shield at the age of 8, awarded to her at the Barton Hall music festival in Torquay. She was taught by her local Yamaha school until they closed down. She then had a private tutor until he moved up country, and now works on her own music and arrangements. She is also fortunate enough to be given guidance on music and stagecraft by Alan Ashton, the well known columnist and Organfax contributor.
At 8 years old she was featured on BBC Spotlight news and her public appearances really took off. Since then she has played all over the UK at many different venues, the biggest being at the Yamaha showcase at the Birmingham symphony hall. Sarah progressed to Electronic Organ when she was 11, starting with a Yamaha HCW4 and working up through the Yamaha EL series to her present EL700. She also plays the alto saxophone and is currently working on her grade 7.
Over the past few years Sarah has built up a strong reputation on the UK organ and keyboard circuit and regularly performs nationwide. However, she enjoys playing for local charities as well, and also performs in theatres and at various hotels around the Torbay area, combining humour into some of her acts. Sarah sometimes plays with her two sisters and they are known as "The Foleytribe".
She is currently at college studying A level music, music technology, performing arts and sound engineering. After taking her exams in the summer, she hopes to focus fully on her musical career. |
Tuesday December 16h. 2008
 Robert Wolfe is recognised as one of the world's leading interpreters of the theatre organ. Acclaimed for his sheer artistry, renowned for his musicality, he is without question one of the top British organists. At the early age of sixteen, he became the youngest musician at that time to join the team of organists at the world famous Tower Ballroom, Blackpool. After three years, in 1981, he was invited to inaugurate the Wurlitzer show at the Thursford Collection, near Fakenham in Norfolk. This "sight and sound spectacular" has come to be known locally, nationally and internationally as "The Thursford Experience". From early spring to late autumn, seven days a week, Robert draws large crowds who delight in his warm personality and his unique musical combination of meticulous accuracy and interpretative sensitivity. He took this solo position at the age of 19. However, the story really began for Robert at the age of eleven, or thereabouts with the gift of a small single keyboard bought as a Christmas present by his parents. In the beginning his non-musical roots meant playing wholly by ear, reading music came later. By the age of 14 he was playing a Compton theatre organ at a pub in Hertfordshire, plus other pubs and clubs in and around his hometown of Luton using his own portable Hammond electronic organ. Robert's hopeless addiction to the theatre organ became apparent when a family summer holiday took them to Blackpool. A single visit to the world famous Tower Ballroom started this infatuation & who would have believed that two years later he would audition to join the team of organists playing for non-stop dancing. Better still he was accepted and became the youngest musician at that time to hold such a position. Robert's music is often heard on BBC Radio 2 and he has been featured on TV. Highlights of these broadcasts include playing live for The National Lottery, with an audience of around 20 million people hearing the magnificent sounds of the Wurlitzer organ at Thursford. During the winter months he performs concerts not only around the UK, but the U.S.A & Canada. When not performing on pipe organs, Robert performs concerts for the many electronic organ societies here in the UK. In recent years Robert has also been associated with Allens Music Centre of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk who are the sole UK dealer for Lowrey Home Organs; another respected American make of organ. Robert found that the Lowrey organ allowed him to play in a style he enjoyed, whilst having the added bonus of rhythm styles and orchestral sounds. This has added another dimension to Robert's musical creativity. He has also produced recordings and DVD's playing Lowrey organs. To hear Robert in concert is an unique musical experience which is not to be missed. |
Wednesday February 6th.
JAMES SARGEANT
Please see our 'UPDATE' page for further details regarding this special concert. |
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