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Colin Matthews

Composer

His work has its own dynamic originality.

— Geoffrey Norris, The Daily Telegraph
  • Colin Matthews, photographed by Fiona Garden
    Colin Matthews, photographed by Fiona Garden
  • Colin Matthews, photographed by Fiona Garden
    Colin Matthews, photographed by Fiona Garden
  • Colin Matthews, photographed by Fiona Garden
    Colin Matthews, photographed by Fiona Garden

COLIN MATTHEWS was born in London in 1946. He studied with Arnold Whittall and Nicholas Maw; in the 1970s he was assistant to Benjamin Britten, and worked for many years with Imogen Holst. His collaboration with Deryck Cooke on the performing version of Mahler’s Tenth Symphony lasted from 1963 until its publication in 1975. Over four decades his music has ranged from solo piano music through five string quartets and many ensemble and orchestral works. He was Associate Composer with the London Symphony Orchestra between 1992 and 1999, and Composer-in-Association with the Hallé from 2001-10, now their Composer Emeritus.

Read complete biography about Biography

Featured Recording

Violin Concerto, Cortège, Cello Concerto No.2

Cover of CD of violin concerto featuring an abstract painting (portrait of CM composer) by Jack Smith

Performers: BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra; Leila Josefowicz (violin), Anssi Karttunen (cello); Oliver Knussen (conductor), Riccardo Chailly (conductor), Rumon Gamba (conductor)

This album showcases three large-scale orchestral pieces; the dark, Mahlerian Cortège (1988) being the earliest work recorded here. Violin Concerto (2009) was composed for Leila Josefowicz; the piece emerged naturally from her musical personality, style and technique. Cello Concerto No.2 (1996) was composed for Mstislav Rostropovich, who gave its first performance with the London Symphony Orchestra and Sir Colin Davis at the Barbican, London, on 17 September 1996.

More about this recording

Gallery

A selection of images spanning Colin Matthews’ career in music.

  • CM in conversation with Sally Groves & Hans Werner Henze
    CM, Sally Groves, Hans Werner Henze - Aldeburgh Festival (Photo: Nigel Luckhurst; copyright Britten-Pears Foundation)
  • Lukas Foss & CM sittign on the stage at Snape Maltings during a break in rehearsal
    Lukas Foss & CM - Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh Festival (Photo: Nigel Luckhurst; copyright Britten-Pears Foundation)
  • CM, Janet Baker, Benjamin Britten, Rita Thomson in conversation while looking at a music score together
    CM, Janet Baker, Benjamin Britten, Rita Thomson - Aldeburgh Festival 1976 (Photo: Nigel Luckhurst; copyright Britten-Pears Foundation)
  • Elliott Carter & CM in conversation in Snape Maltings concert hall
    Elliott Carter & CM - Aldeburgh Festival (Photo: Nigel Luckhurst; copyright Britten-Pears Foundation)
  • Colin Matthews sitting at his desk
    Colin Matthews at his desk, photographed by Fiona Garden
  • Aldeburgh Festival (Photo: Nigel Luckhurst; copyright Britten-Pears Foundation)
    Donald Mitchell, Paul Daniel, Colin Matthews, Michael Berkeley, Aldeburgh Festival (Photo: Nigel Luckhurst; copyright Britten-Pears Foundation)
  • Group photo standing outside Snape Maltings concert hall
    Robin Holloway, CM, Oliver Knussen, Toru Takemitsu, Howard Skempton - Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh Festival (Photo: Nigel Luckhurst; copyright Britten-Pears Foundation)

CM in conversation with Sally Groves & Hans Werner HenzeLukas Foss & CM sittign on the stage at Snape Maltings during a break in rehearsalCM, Janet Baker, Benjamin Britten, Rita Thomson in conversation while looking at a music score togetherElliott Carter & CM in conversation in Snape Maltings concert hallColin Matthews sitting at his deskAldeburgh Festival (Photo: Nigel Luckhurst; copyright Britten-Pears Foundation)Group photo standing outside Snape Maltings concert hall

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Aerial photo of Snape Maltings

Britten-Pears Young Artists

2 November, 2022

Turner's painting - The burning of the house of lords and the commons. The sky is ablaze with fire, there is a wide view of the review and an arched bridge in the distance.

Cleveland Pictures at Snape

1 July, 2022

Group of performers posing for a photo together in front of the piano, with Colin Matthews and William Boyd

A Visit to Friends

27 March, 2022

Upcoming Performances

Click on the date and title of the performance to view venue and booking details in a new window.

28 March, 2023 - Time Stands Still, Dual, 23 Frames for Piano, Horn and String Trio
Nash Ensemble
Wigmore Hall, London

28 March, 2023 - Seascapes
Claire Booth (soprano), Nash Ensemble
Wigmore Hall, London

28 May, 2023 - Mosaics (world premiere)
London Symphony Orchestra, Francois-Xavier Roth
Barbican Hall, London

View all performances

Useful Links

Faber Music
NMC Recordings
The Holst Foundation

© 2023 Colin Matthews · Website by Bookswarm

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