Ian le Grice - Accompanist, soloist & organist

Ian le Grice has been the accompanist on both piano and organ for the Croydon Philharmonic Choir for more than 50 years. He is so valued and appreciated by the choir for his extraordinary musicianship, his sense of humour and outstanding commitment.

Ian’s career embraces all aspects of organ playing: concerto performances, solos recitals with singers and instrumentalists, continuo playing, orchestral work and accompanist at church services.

He is also accompanist for the St Ceclia Chorus and was, for many years, accompanist to the English Arts Chorale. He retired in 2012 from the Temple Church where he was Assistant Organist for 30 years. His long association with the Temple Church began when he joined the choir as a treble in 1957. He assisted Sir George Thalben-Ball, playing the organ for recordings, broadcasts, concerts and services with the Temple Church Choir until 1982 when Dr John Birch succeeded Sir George and Ian was appointed Assistant Organist. He continued in this position with the two succeeding Directors of Music and in 2003 played for the premiere of Sir John Tavener’s seven-hour work, The Veil of the Temple, under the direction of Stephen Layton. Ian continues to be in demand as a soloist and accompanist and since 2005 has collaborated with Crispian Steele-Perkins to present informal concerts of music for trumpet and organ.