Church and concert organist, pianist, and musicologist, Dr GILLIAN WARD RUSSELL, was born in Maldon and only moved out of the town (not very far!) last year. She works as a church organist in the Dioceses of Chelmsford and London, although her recital work takes her as far afield as the USA and Europe, besides all over the UK.

She was educated at Maldon Grammar School before going to the North East Essex Technical College in Colchester to further her music studies. Here she won prizes, notably for piano performance, gathered numerous diplomas, and was awarded a first class BA (Hons) in Music. She went on to study for two higher degrees (MPhil. and PhD) researching into the life and music of her ancestor, the composer William Russell. As a consequence of this important work she was invited to give lecture-recitals in the USA at Yale University as well as Leeds and Birmingham Universities.

In addition to performing Gillian conducts the Maldon Choral Society, is President of the Essex Organists’ Association, and teaches privately. She has been Organs Adviser for the Diocese of Chelmsford and Chair of the Suffolk Centre of the Incorporated Society of Musicians.

In all her performances Gillian has gained a reputation for showing the instrument’s versatility -- in particular its ability to create moods and convey emotions and to entertain. She believes in the power of music to communicate directly with her audience and uses this to great effect in all her concerts. Whether she has played in Cathedrals, Churches or concert halls large or small, on the radio or on the television, audiences have felt the power of communication through Gillian’s music, and that is what it is all about. Above all you will have been entertained!