Biography
ROGER SAYER
"He is, without exaggeration, an extraordinary artist, whose humanity shines in the impeccable artistry that flows from his hands...."
- Hans Zimmer, award-winning composer
Roger Sayer is at the forefront of British choral and organ music. A former organ student at St Paul's Cathedral, Roger was Prize Winner at the 1989 St Albans International Organ Competition and won all the organ prizes at the Royal College of Music. Since then, he has been constantly in demand both as a recitalist and accompanist, and his playing takes him to many parts of the world.
In 2023 his work is taking him to Germany, Holland Denmark, Italy, Switzerland and Australia. He recently gave a live recital at Temple Church broadcast on BBC and opened the Summer Organ Festival at Westminster Abbey and the in the last few years has recorded the complete Rheinberger Sonatas and the six symphonies of Louis Vierne highlights. These recordings universally were reviewed with 5 *
Such is Roger's versatility he has recorded a soundtrack for a Sony video game, collaborated with jazz saxophonist Mark Lockheart and composer John Ashton Thomas in the album, Salvator Mundi
Roger Sayer's most notable performance work is as organist as organ soloist for Hans Zimmer's Oscar nominated score for the motion picture Interstellar. Roger later went on to perform the work live with composer Hans Zimmer in a live showing of the film at London's Royal Albert Hall.
He was special guest at London's 02 with Hans Zimmer and his world tour.
In addition to his organ playing, Roger Sayer is also an acclaimed choral director with some of the UK's finest choirs. After founding the Rochester Cathedral Girls’ choir, Roger was Organist and Director of Music at Temple Church in 2013-2023 and created an impressive portfolio of broadcasts, concerts and recordings. The choir’s recording and performances during his time were universally awarded 5 *Under his direction. During the pandemic he commissioned two works specifically for the boys' of the choir one of the the works, Carmina Tempore Viri by Kenneth Hesketh led to a live BBC Radio 3 concert with the choristers as they emerged after 18 months rehearsing on zoom. He initiated a new youth choir of Boys and Girls at Temple Church.
Roger Sayer worked regularly with the London Symphony Chorus for ten year as Accompanist and Deputy Chorus Director, collaborating with many of the world's leading conductors and soloists.