“Musical composition is about making order from chaos, using a set of unique and occasionally temporary rules, with the ghosts of others staring at your back and the possibility of artistic perfection ahead. My work is constantly shifting and re-inventing itself as I learn more about the nature of musical expression.”

Matthew’s works have been performed nationally by some of the country’s leading ensembles and soloists.

Following studies at the University of Huddersfield (BMus (Hons) and MA) with Dr Margaret-Lucy Wilkins, Matthew studied at the University of Sussex with Prof Martin Butler, graduating with a DPhil (doctorate) in Musical Composition in July 2007. His musical portfolio and accompanying commentary “Internal Drama, External Theatre” focussed on the abstract nature of music and how this is expressed both within the piece and to the audience.

Marked by a strong dramatic impulse and rhythmic drive, his music encompasses a wide range of influences, from the modernists of the early 20th century to the stylish pop of the 60s. He enjoys close collaborations with performers and aims to write music that is performable and idiomatic. Matthew has also arranged works for performances by the Rainbow Chorus and Hangleton Brass Band, and worked with the singer Hazel O’Connor to create backing vocal arrangements. Since 2009 he has worked in close creative collaboration with the writer Peter Kenny, resulting so far in the music theatre piece This concert will fall in love with you and a handful of choral works.

Composition highlights have included performances of This concert will fall in love with you during Brighton Festival Fringe, May 2010, in collaboration with the write Peter Kenny and performed by members of Tacet Ensemble; Music for Strings performed by Musicians of All Saints’, Lewes, in July 2009; performances of his opera The Diary as part of Tete-a-Tete opera festival at the Riverside Studios, London, in August 2008; Sinfonia II: Dance Variations given in 2007 by the Royal Northern College of Music Brass Band, conducted by John Miller; Bridging and Chiming given in 2005 by the Tacet Ensemble (commissioned with funds from the Arts Council and premiered at the Brighton Festival); The End of the Party premiered by Lontano, conducted by Odaline de la Martinez at the Purcell Room, London in 2005; and Chamber Concerto performed by the Composers’ Orchestral Project conducted by Roger Montgomery at the Duke’s Hall, Royal Academy of Music in 2001. Other projects have included working with bass guitarist Herbie Flowers on music for a theatre show, Imelda’s Magic Shoe.

Further performances have been given by the London Gay Symphony Orchestra, Paragon Saxophone Quartet, Andrew Melvin (piano), Lizzie Wingfield (soprano), Adam Bushell and Tom Norrell (percussion duet), The Glens (bassoon and piano) and the Musicians of All Saints Chamber Orchestra among others.

See here for full details and examples.

Click here for a short composition biography suitable for download.