William Saunders
is a critically acclaimed British concert organist, educator and Creative Director, recognised for imaginative programming, championing accessible modern English repertoire, and helping audiences discover the organ through engaging performances and creative projects.
About William
He serves as Colchester City Organist, where he is responsible for the artistic direction of the restored Edwardian Grand Organ in Colchester Town Hall. His work includes curating the annual recital series, developing educational initiatives, commissioning new work, and ensuring one of Britain’s finest civic organs continues to inspire future generations.
William performs throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, appearing at major venues, festivals and concert series. Recent engagements include performances at the Oundle International Festival, King’s Lynn Festival, Aldeburgh Festival and Lübecker Orgelsommer in Germany. He has also given premieres of works by leading contemporary composers, including Iain Farrington and Dobrinka Tabakova.
His recordings for Regent Records have received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for their energy, musical insight and commitment to British repertoire. Gramophone has praised his “rhythmic vitality”, while Organists’ Review described his playing as “flawless and so assured that one can listen in the knowledge that nothing will faze him.”
Alongside his solo career, William is an experienced accompanist, conductor and artistic collaborator. He has worked with ensembles including London Voices, King’s Voices and Aldeburgh Voices, founded 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.”
Ben Parry | Director of London Voices
Education & Leadership
Education & Leadership
Education has been at the centre of William’s career.
As Director of Music at The Royal Hospital School for almost a decade, he led a thriving music department that created ambitious opportunities for young musicians. During this time he developed collaborations with organisations including the BBC Big Band,
Swingle Singers, National Youth Choir of Great Britain, HM Royal Marines Band Service and the Royal College of Organists.
He directed performances at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in the presence of the Royal Family, broadcast nationally by the BBC, and founded Sing Up Suffolk, an annual event bringing together around 800 primary school children to celebrate singing.
Previous appointments have included musical leadership at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Organist of Ipswich Minster, and founder of the Ipswich School Festival of Music.
“William has a superb knowledge of the organ repertoire… it was a joy to learn from him through his own outstanding performances.”
Nicholas Freestone
Assistant Director of Music, Worcester Cathedral
MediaTracks Music
Alongside his performing career, William is Creative Director of MediaTracks Music, an independent British production music company supplying original music for television, film, advertising and digital media worldwide.
His work bridges the worlds of classical performance and the creative industries, supporting composers, developing new catalogues and helping connect outstanding music with international broadcasters and production companies.
Education & Outreach
William is passionate about making classical music accessible.
He regularly works with schools, young musicians, community organisations and arts partners, creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience live music, develop musical skills and engage with the organ in fresh and inspiring ways.
Daniel Moult, Head of Organ Studies at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, describes William as:
“An animateur and educator who combines outstanding communication, administration and virtuosic organ playing to inspire young musicians.”
Beyond Music
Away from the concert platform, William enjoys spending time with his family, keeping fit, discovering great restaurants and exploring Britain’s motoring heritage.