Chris Totney

I was born in Stourbridge, West Midlands, where I sang in a church choir and took up the piano and the organ from a young age. I read Music at Durham University, holding successive scholarships at University College and Durham Cathedral. I spent the first 15 years of my professional career in Wiltshire, immersing myself in various school and private teaching roles, alongside which I ran a thriving church choir in Devizes, visiting many UK cathedrals, touring Latvia, and recording and broadcasting live on BBC Radio 4. As an organist, I have given recitals in many cathedrals and major churches of the UK and gained my FRCO diploma in 2022. As a pianist, I have been a guest performer with the North Wiltshire Symphony Orchestra and have made appearances alongside Andrew Carwood, Bob Chilcott, Jeremy Summerly, Sir John Rutter and Gordon Stewart as a workshop accompanist at large-scale regional events. I am available to play the organ for special services such as weddings and funerals, or to give recitals. I can also provide background piano music at wedding reception venues. I am prepared to accompany concerts on the organ or piano, as well as accompany instrumental or vocal examinations on the piano, and to give private tuition to people of all ages, having gained many years' experience of teaching both child and adult pupils. Although I am based in Cambridge, I am always happy to consider travelling further afield, especially when giving recitals or playing at one-off events.