"Outstanding... Pianist Joe Ward’s rendering of Beethoven’s last set of Bagatelles Op 126 – more unpredictably jagged than even previous sets - was simply the finest Beethoven playing ever seen here. Ward’s hammering precision nailed the last, two prestos enclosing an andante cantabile, wayward, full of tigerish leaps to fracture the left hand. It’s no disrespect to Ward to say he’s upped his game in every performance, but nothing prepared us for this which would grace any concert hall."
Dr. Simon Jenner, reviewer for Sussex Musicians’ Club
One of the parts of my musical life I enjoy most is performing: for concerts, for church services, in care homes and other establishments and for private functions and events. Playing in public is initially nerve-racking, particularly as a soloist, but I've come to feel more and more relaxed about it - and to feel that sharing the repertoire with people is really what music-making is all about. I love to feel I can make a distinctive contribution to a service, wedding, funeral, christening or naming ceremony, providing something that feels appropriate to the event but which also adds something to the occasion. I feel this is some of the most rewarding playing that I do, and the feedback I get backs this up! You'll find a couple of examples here of solo piano music that I find particularly effective for reflective moments in ceremonies, but I can also provide more uplifting, upbeat or jazzy pieces, and you might also like to ask me about including a classical singer in your event, such as the wonderful soprano I often work with, Eva Rustige. Just click the contact tab and let me know what you'd like!