About Carl

Carl Grainger started playing the piano at the age of 12, studying with Tom Bromley. He read music at the University of East Anglia where his instrumental tutors included the well-known harpsichordist Sir Philip Ledger and David Parkhouse, pianist of The Music Group of London.

The harpsichord was played superbly by Carl Grainger.

The Western Mail

On leaving university he took up playing the organ, studying with the respected concert organist David Sanger. He was appointed as Director of Music of the important Princes Street Church in Norwich, and subsequently served as Organist and Choirmaster of Beccles Parish Church in Suffolk, St James’ Shere and St Saviour’s Church in Guildford.

Bach performed with panache, particularly in the complex figurations of the first movement.

Seen and Heard International

Carl is well known as an organ recitalist and has performed widely throughout England and Wales. Recent UK performances have included Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall, Chester, Brecon, Llandaff and Portsmouth Cathedrals, Kings Lynn Minster, Shrewsbury Abbey and St Mary’s Swansea, . He has appeared overseas, including a Norwegian tour that culminated in a recital to an audience of 500 in Trondheim Cathedral and three recitals as part of the Charente International Organ Festival.

Carl Grainger’s excellent account of Franck’s Second Choral had all the space it needed. His excellent use of the Chester organ guaranteed all the warmth and sonority that this superb work requires.

Philip Rushforth – Director of Music, Chester Cathedr

Performing regularly as a harpsichordist, Carl has appeared on S4C television with the Chamber Orchestra of Wales. For several years he was the harpsichordist of the Welsh Sinfonia, giving critically-acclaimed  performances of concertos by Bach, Handel, Albinoni and John Rutter.

Carl Grainger is an organist who clearly knows his business.

Eastern Daily Press

Carl lived in South Wales for many years but now divides his time between homes in Mid Wales and France.