These days, multi-talented pianist Gary Preston can usually be found playing at wedding receptions, restaurants or corporate functions, creating a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere where guests can feel comfortable and relaxed. He is also to be seen accompanying jazz vocalist and fellow Alive Network artist Hazel Hannam. Recent venues include the BAFTA club, London, The Mayor of London’s Official Living Room on the South Bank, Nottingham University, Oxford University Press and the Jaguar Showroom, Castle Bromwich.

However, things have not always been like this...!

It all started at age 11 with piano lessons from a local teacher. Gary later went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music, following this with a busy career of teaching and concert giving around the country. Recital venues have included the Purcell Room on London’s South Bank, the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, and a concerto appearance at the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill, performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the Surrey County Youth Orchestra.

After playing piano in a production of Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love in Basingstoke in 1997, Gary began to branch out into other fields. He went on to play keyboards in Cats in the West End and also to conduct several shows himself, including Oklahoma!, Annie get Your Gun, Hot Mikado and Oliver!, sometimes appearing as both pianist and conductor!

Now working as a solo pianist again, with an emphasis on jazz standards (think: Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra),Gary will usually vary the programme with a mixture of Songs from the Shows, great pop tunes, Classical Favourites and Scott Joplin. Requests are gladly catered for and he is more than happy to discuss the play list with the client beforehand.