Bradley Burgess
pianist & organist
Bradley Burgess is a South African-born, Raleigh-based pianist, organist, church musician, whose playing has been described as “spell-binding” (ClassicSA).
He currently serves as Lay Associate for Music, Communications, and Administration at Church of the Nativity in North Raleigh, and is active as a recitalist, collaborator, and educator.
Biography.
Praised for his “virtuoso piano playing” and his ability to leave audiences “spellbound” (ClassicSA), Bradley Burgess is one of today’s few concert artists who can move seamlessly between the piano bench and organ console, and enjoys a multifaceted career as pianist, organist, educator, and church musician.
He has appeared in recital in many major venues of his home country of South Africa, as well as in the UK, Finland, and across the United States, including performances at Church of the Transfiguration (New York, NY), Third Baptist Church (St. Louis, MO), St. Peter’s Church (Long Island, NY), Rutgers University (Camden, NJ), Woolsey Hall (New Haven, CT), St. George’s Cathedral, Baxter Concert Hall (Cape Town, South Africa), and King’s Chapel (Boston, MA).
Highlights of the 2023–24 season include appearances at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral’s Sacred Music Series (Raleigh, NC), performances for North Carolina Chamber Music Institute faculty concerts, and collaboration with the Choir of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Raleigh, and the Schola Cantorum of the Diocese of East Carolina.
Bradley holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, the University of Cape Town, and Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music and School of Music, where he was awarded the Julie B. Sherman Prize for excellence in organ playing. He has also been the recipient of First Prize at the Fine Music Radio / Pick ‘n Pay 101.3 Music Awards, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Bursary, and a generous grant from the National Arts Council of South Africa.
Having served as Director of Music & Organist at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Islip, NY), Minister of Music at Middlebury Congregational Church (Middlebury, CT), Organ Scholar at Yale Divinity School’s Marquand Chapel, and Associate Director of Music and Worship Arts at Edenton Street United Methodist Church (Raleigh, NC), Bradley currently serves as Lay Associate for Music, Communications and Administration at Church of the Nativity, and assistant organist at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh, NC. He is also a faculty member of North Carolina Chamber Music Institute, and maintains a studio of private students.
Album.
J. S. Bach: The Complete Orgelüchlein (Raven, 2024)
Paul Fritts Op. 43St. Thomas Church, Terrace Park, OH
My album, the complete Orgelbüchlein of J. S. Bach, is available for purchase from the label, Raven, and is also available to steam on all major platforms.
This album represents a culmination of a more than two-year long journey. You can read more about it on the OB page.
Tracks.
Video Tracks.
- Carter, Andrew: Toccata on “Veni Emmanuel” (O Come, O Come, Emmanual)
- Brahms, Johannes: “Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele” (Deck, Thyself, My Soul)
- Bach, J. S.: Prelude & Fugue in A Minor
- Elgar, Edward: Nimrod, from Enigma Variations
- Guilmant, Alexandre: Organ Sonata No. 1, Finale
- Karg-Elert, Sigfrid: Praise the Lord with Drums & Cymbals
- Elliott, Richard: Toccatina on “Angels We Have Heard On High”
- Purvis, Richard: Carol Rhapsody
- Liszt, Franz: Fantasy & Fugue on B-A-C-H
- Purvis, Richard: Prelude on “Greensleeves” (What Child Is This?)
- Weber, Jacob: Two Soettings on ANTIOCH (Joy to the World)
- Improvisation: “Let Everything That Has Breath”
Audio Tracks.
- Bach, J.S.: Organ Soanta No. 1 in E-flat, mvt. 3
- Bach, J.S.: Organ Sonata No. 1 in E-flat, mvt. 1
- Howells, Herbert: Psalm Prelude, Set 1 No. 3 (Ps. 23)
- Liszt, Franz: Prelude & Fugue on B-A-C-H
- Bach, J.S.: Organ Soanta No. 1 in E-flat, mvt. 2
- Rachmaninov, Sergei: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor (1931)
- Rautavaara, Einojuhani: Toccata (1971)
- Vierne, Louis: Clair de Lune
- Messiaen, Olivier: Transports de joie (‘Outburts of joy’) from L'Ascension
- Vierne, Louis: Symphony No. 1, ‘Finale’
- Vierne, Louis: Symphony No. 2, ‘Allegro’
- Willan, Healey: Introduction, Passacaglia and Fugue
Now Playing.
Carter, Andrew: Toccata on “Veni Emmanuel” (O Come, O Come, Emmanual).
Recorded on 12/15/2020.
Edenton Street United Methodist Church, Raleigh, NC.
This fiery setting of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel reveals an influence of the French organ school, especially noticeable in the toccata figures used in the manuals. The sophisticated but accessible harmonic pallette and the clever use of canon in the quieter middle section demonstrate Carter's compositional skill.
This is a seasonal favorite of mine, that I find an excuse to pull out every Advent!
Teaching.
I have over a decade of experience teaching the piano, the organ, music theory and musicianship skills, and I would love to share that experience with you.
My teaching philosophy centers the student and their needs. No two students are the same (even twins!), and every student has different aspirations, learning styles, motivations, interests, and personalities. I tailor my teaching style and what we cover to every student, considering their needs and goals.
Central to my approach is the principle of teaching the student, not the subject. Therefore, the teacher-student relationship always comes first — before deadlines, goals, or schedules.
I am currently offering support in these main areas, but always tailor instruction to the individual needs; I’m happy to cover a variety of mixed topics:
- Organ: Repertoire, service- and hymn-playing, transitioning to the organ from the piano, registration, creative hymn-playing (including creating your own reharmonizations and introductions)
- Music Theory & Musicianship: Harmony, ear training, analysis, basic conducting
I teach online and in-person; in-person lessons usually are held at Church of the Nativity in North Raleigh, where I work. For online lessons, I am open to doing regular “live” lessons, or asynchronous lessons: you record yourself, and I send you a video and written feedback. I don’t require any commitments, and am happy to do once-off or short-term lessons.
If any of this sounds appealing, please drop me a line below. I’m always happy to chat and answer questions, even if we don’t end up working together.
What my students are saying
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Lisa B. organ
I had been playing the organ in church for years and wanted to learn more. Bradley has been patient and encouraging at every step along the way. He has been able to teach me techniques and tips that make playing the organ fun. Bradley's organ repertoire is impressive and his skill is amazing. He is the best instructor I have ever had.
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Toni M. organ
Bradley is an outstanding organ teacher. What sets him apart is his broad knowledge of repertoire and technique combined with large doses of patience. I learn something new each time we meet! I can't recommend him highly enough.
Contact.
The easiest way to contact me is via the form below. You can also find me on YouTube, Telegram, and TikTok:
