Conductor
Craig Lawton
Watch & Listen
About Craig
Conductor with Winchester Chamber Orchestra and Conchord Singers. Freelance percussionist and Organist
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Conductor
Southampton
Public liability insurance of £10 million
Performance details
I have a car I can use to travel to gigs
Musicianship
Genres:
Classical, Film / TV music, Classical crossover, Christmas, Contemporary Christian, Traditional church music, Baroque, Fanfare, Musical theatre
See all genres
Other skills:
Orchestrator, Arranger, Fluent sight-reader, Fluent improviser, Repetiteur, Community music worker, Accompanist
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Customer questions
What if my timings change after I've booked you?
Timings for events can often change. If this happens just let me know at the earliest opportunity so I can work with it. I always aim to be flexible so things can run smoothly for you.
Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?
This is not something I would usually do. For weddings and funerals if you are using an iPod/CD for any music this must be provided by you and the tracks checked in advance.
How much time do you need to set up?
If I'm playing in a church or crematorium that I'm not familiar with around 30mins beforehand should suffice.
For timpani and percussion concerts I usually aim for 45-60mins set up time.
Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?
For weddings and funerals I have a list of appropriate works which you can choose from. However, I am always happy to discuss what you are looking for to ensure the atmosphere and sentiment for your event is fulfilled.
Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?
For weddings and funerals in churches I would usually use the in house instruments.
For timpani I have access to and can transport 3 hand tuned and 2 pedal instruments
Can you learn specific pieces before the event?
If there is a piece which is not in my repertoire that is of importance to you there is a chance I will know it and be able to perform. If a piece needs to be specially arranged for the organ or piano there is a fee of £35 to take in additional preparation and rehearsal time
What do your clients love most about your performances?
Talking about what I'm doing! When conducting or giving recitals I like to talk and introduce the works we are performing and let them know what the journey to the concert has been like. This helps breaks down barriers and shows a different side to the job.
Which venues have you performed at in the past?
I have performed in many of the churches in Southampton in addition to the Turner Sims, O2 Guildhall, Thornden Hall. Nationally I have performed in the Colston Hall, Bristol; Queen Elizabeth Hall; Royal Albert Hall, Merton Abbey Mills, London
Which artists have you been most influenced by?
So many of the great conductors; Klemperer, Bernstein, Tennstedt
What is the most high profile gig you've performed?
Performing to a sell out Romsey Abbey in 2016 conducting Richard Strauss' An Alpine Symphony
Prices
Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.
Standard Prices
Performance duration | Price | |
Short performance (up to 15 min) | £35 | |
Up to 1 hour | £160 | |
Up to 2 hours | £180 | |
Up to 3 hours | £200 |