ABOUT
William Saunders is one of Britain’s prominent concert organists whose imaginative programming, recordings of accessible modern English repertoire and passion for music education is ensuring that this instrument is conserved for the next generation. He regularly performs recitals at distinguished venues across the UK, Europe and North America, and leading festivals including Oundle International Festival, Cambridge Summer Music Festival, Three Choirs Festival, Kings Lynn Festival, Aldeburgh Festival and Lübecker Orgelsommer. He’s also premiered numerous works including Animal Parade by Iain Farrington, and Diptych by Dobrinka Tabakova.
William has released several critically acclaimed recordings on the Regent Records label, including works he’s commissioned and world premiere recordings. Gramophone Magazine has praised his “rhythmic vitality” while Organists’ Review declared his playing as “flawless and so assured that one can listen in the knowledge that nothing will faze him.”
William is in demand as an accompanist and has worked with the Kings Voices, London Voices and Aldeburgh Voices (the latter established by Benjamin Britten).
“If you’re looking for an all-rounder – accompanist, choral conductor, artistic director, project manager or recitalist – you get the full package with William! I’ve greatly enjoyed working on many and varied different projects with him.”
Ben Parry, Artistic Director of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain
Alongside his performance career, William is passionate about music education. He has recently been a consultant for the Royal College of Organists and was involved with creating online resources for enthusing people in revolutionary ways about the organ. In other words, a one-stop shop for learning all about the organ.
“I have William to thank for introducing me to liturgical music, which quickly became a passion in no small part because of the opportunities that he gave me. As an organ teacher, William has a superb knowledge of the organ repertoire and provided excellent stylistic and technical advice. It was also a joy to learn from him through his own outstanding performances.”
Nicholas Freestone, Assistant Director of Music at Worcester Cathedral
William has worked at several esteemed institutions, including The Royal Hospital School in Suffolk where he was Director of Music for nearly a decade. Throughout his tenure he was responsible for a dynamic music department that created inspiring opportunities for its students; highlights included collaborations with the BBC Big Band, Swingle Singers, National Youth Choir of Great Britain and forming partnerships with HM Royal Marines Training Band and the Royal College of Organists. In addition, he directed the Chapel Choir at The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in the presence of the royal family, which was broadcast live on BBC radio and television. He also established the Sing Up Suffolk annual event which involves 800 primary school children coming to the school with the primary aim of making singing fun and accessible.
“I have sung in lots of different choirs, but never have I enjoyed singing so much than when Mr Saunders is conducting. Every rehearsal is full of fun!”
Ollie, chorister
“Singing with William is always a joy! His well-prepared and clearly-directed rehearsals communicate his enthusiasm and passion for music. He is very knowledgeable and whether we are singing Anglican psalms at evensong, or a jazz mass in concert, it is hugely satisfying and a great pleasure which I never fail to look forward to.”
Isobel, enthusiastic singer
Other roles William has previously held include a period of having musical oversight at St Edmundsbury Cathedral (Bury St Edmunds), Organist at St Mary-le-Tower Civic Church (Ipswich), plus he is founder of the Ipswich School Festival of Music.
William enjoys being kept busy, and in addition to his performance career became Director of Media and Creatives at MediaTracks Music, a British independent music company which provides a wide range of production music for the worldwide broadcast industry. Outside of his musical life, he likes to enjoy good food with his young family, fast cars and keeping fit.
“William really does tick all the boxes as an animateur and educator! With his excellent communication skills, natural rapport with the young, awareness of youth culture, superlative administration – not to overlook, of course, his virtuosic and arresting organ playing – he has rightly gained an enviable reputation in the field of organ education and outreach!”
Daniel Moult, Head of Organ Studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
William is happy to receive feedback on this website as well as enquiries for conducting and recital engagements. Please feel free to contact him through the relevant page on this website.