As a solo organist, he has travelled widely in Europe and the United States, and has given recitals in both the Worcester and Gloucester Three Choirs Festivals, when he was acclaimed for a "dazzling technique and colouristic imagination". He has also broadcast on television and radio. He features on nine commercial discs, three of them as accompanist and soloist with Gloucester Cathedral Choir, when he was Assistant to David Briggs from 1998 to 2002. His debut solo disc of French symphonic music from Gloucester (on Lammas 126D) received high praise, described as "a wind of fire", "passionately musical" and displaying "an essential rightness" and "the utmost technical security". It received five-star ratings for sound and performance in BBC Music Magazine. Plans for the next two years include solo tours to Australia and the US, and recital series presenting the complete works of Howells, Whitlock, Franck and Bach.

As a conductor Ian achieved notable success with Bristol Chamber Choir, Bristol Phoenix Choir and more recently Gloucester Choral Society and the Saint Cecilia Singers, whom he led on tours to the USA and France and made a CD of Christmas music. He has premiered several commissioned works, founded Gloucester Cathedral Youth Choir (1999) and is held in high regard for his work with the Gloucester Cathedral Choir whilst Acting Director of Music there for six months in 2001/2.

Ian is a graduate of Oxford University and the RNCM, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. His teachers have included David Sanger, Peter Hurford, Naji Hakim and David Briggs, to whom he is particularly indebted.

Ian enjoys spending as much time as possible with his two children, and when he has spare time enjoys cooking, horse riding and composing.

Reviews

"One of the most exciting and versatile recitalists on the circuit today"

Paul Vaughan, PVA Management
 

"Ball showed outstanding skill and talent…The 27-year old organist has an amazing talent; one that, it is hoped, will bring him back for many repeats of this, his first American recital tour."

Greensboro News & Record, October 1995
 

"Impeccable accompaniments"

Organists' Review
 

"My hats off to you for your splendid and deliciously musical playing"

Jeff McConnaughey, All Saints' Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia
 

"…since I led the "bravos", it was obvious what I thought of your organ playing!"

Jack Horner, Director of Music, First United Methodist (the 'Cathedral in the Pines'), Montgomery, Alabama
 

"Your control of the instrument was simply astounding"

John Barry, Director of Music, St John's Episcopal Cathedral, Jacksonville, Florida
 

"Thank you for your beautiful recording of La Nativité. I am very proud."
"It was a pleasure meeting you and listening to your beautiful playing. Your musicianship and expressive playing are remarkable and I'm sure that the public will love it."

Naji Hakim, Organiste Titulaire, Eglise de la Trinité, Paris
 

"Ian Ball conducted [Gloucester Choral Society] with verve and assurance"

Gloucester Citizen

Contact details and further information

TEL: 01905 640663
FAX: 01905 641842

E-mail PVA Management

E-mail Ian Ball