Mike Read, Radio Berkshire
James May BBC’s Man Lab
“Hi Mark, thank you for joining us and performing in a chilly arrivals area! Glad you got to enjoy some of the atmosphere downstairs later on.
Mark was the perfect addition to our glamorous medieval film premiere afterparty of Dungeons and Dragons. He created a great atmosphere in our arrivals area for guests. Many commented on his beautiful music and fabulous costume. He was also great to work with in advance, thoughtful about song and instrument selection to fit our theme, and very prompt and professional on the night. I would definitely book Mark again.”
Emilie – Premier PR London.
“We were extremely pleased with the lute player. He kept in touch with us before the event to confirm timings and music choices. He changed into his full Tudor minstrel costume as requested and was present in the room as the guests arrived. The room was The Great Chamber which had been built for the visit of Henry VIII and he fitted in perfectly. The music was well chosen and performed and he moved around the tables, playing the lute, singing to some tunes and explaining the instrument as requested. He also played the classical guitar to vary the performance. The guests were as delighted as we are.”
G Barber, The Great Chamber, Newhall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield (May 2022)
“Mark performed at the Calne Music and Arts Festival in October 2021 to a very appreciative audience which included the daughter of the renowned British lutenist, Desmond Dupre. Both his performance and talk about his various lutes and guitar was inspiring and extremely well received.”
Carole Browne October 2021 – President, Calne Music and Arts Festival
“Mark It was so good. I went back in and the residents were all raving about it. As were the staff who heard you!”
James Dixon February 2023
Events Coordinator The Old Vicarage Care Home Bakewell Derbyshire
“Thank you so much for understanding so readily what I wanted and for being part of the performance.”
Philip Dixon – Conductor for an examination of George Herbert Priest and Poet
“The music just fitted so well. Not only did Mark’s beautiful tone create a warm uplifting atmosphere but he was relaxed yet sensitive and friendly: it was great to have him at the exhibition. I couldn’t have wished for anything better.”
Rachel Charter (Artist)
“I really enjoyed your playing – wish I had been able to make more time to just sit and listen.”
Steven Thomas (Bridegroom)
“Alison and I wanted to thank you for the excellent playing that you did at Tortworth last weekend. Many of our guests have commented on what a refreshing change it made from band and disco noise and what a pleasure it was to be able to talk without shouting. Also, and most importantly, they enjoyed what you played. So thanks very much for helping to make it such a pleasurable day for us and our guests. Best wishes,”
Bob Roberts (Bridegroom)
Glenda Procter
“Mark did what so few of us dare to do: accompany himself to songs by John Dowland. He has a light, pleasing, very natural voice, sings the songs as if the words mean something, and adds little elements of freedom in the form of introductory passages and interludes.”
Christopher Goodwin (Lute Society)
Ellen Love (Watts Gallery)
Richard Barnard: Composer (after a concert collaborating with the poet Ian McMillan
“Thank you so much for your work last week at Beaulieu. It was a very successful night for us all and hopefully the start of some important relationships. We are really grateful to you for making it such a lovely evening. For your beautiful, lilting music and charm – as you serenaded each table. This was a high point of a lot of the guests’ night.”
Abbey Wright (Director)
Fergus Bruce (Festival Operations Manager)
“I’m afraid we had to rush off on Friday night and I didn’t get the chance to thank you so much for your wonderful playing. I loved singing with Lute for the first time and really enjoyed it!”
Susanna MacRae (Soprano)
“You left before the speeches, but a “thank you” to you brought an amazing round of applause! Everyone appreciated your playing, we had no end of comments! So thanks for helping make Lily and Darren’s wedding so professional!”
Phil & Babs
“Hello, it was such a special evening, thank you for helping to make that happen.”
Roz Sylvester (Medieval Banquet)
“He was fantastic and I’ll certainly be recommending him!”
Paul, General Manager, the Manor Country House Hotel, Oxfordshire
“Your lute playing was actually the cause of much buzz on Monday and I had reports about your wonderful playing in the Church and in the museum, so thank you.”
Francesca Vandelli (Town Councillor Malmesbury)
“Fantastic performer, lives up to the name & very professional. Arrival early, came with everything needed. Lovely guy to work with.”
Andrew Finch, (The National Trust Coughton Court)
“He is a fantastic lutenist. He is also extremely knowledgeable about the instrument and it’s history. We had a wonderful evening of music and conversation. Couldn’t recommend more highly! Thank you!!”
Jennifer Evans
“Good Morning Mark, We just wanted to thank you so much for playing at our wedding. You really created the atmosphere we wanted and your playing was excellent, I can’t tell you how many people commented on your playing. Thank you again for making our day so very special. All the best.”
Alan and Andrew
“A big thank you for coming to play at our wedding last week. It really made it feel so special and so many people told us how lovely it was and how beautiful your outfit was too! We really appreciated you taking the time for us and loved the music.’ Thanks again, “
Sarah and Esteban
