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Colin Matthews

Composer

His work has its own dynamic originality.

— Geoffrey Norris, The Daily Telegraph

In memory of Rita Thomson

14 October, 2019

CM, Janet Baker, Benjamin Britten, Rita Thomson in conversation while looking at a music score together

I’m very sad to learn of Rita’s death. Rita was a senior sister at the London Heart Hospital where Britten had his major operation in 1973. They quickly grew a bond, and in 1974 she moved to The Red House to look after him full time. She stayed on after his death, and became almost equally close to Peter Pears. She remained in Aldeburgh for the rest of her life.

I knew her for 45 years, and immensely valued her friendship : her common sense and plain speaking, which had made her so important to Britten, could always be relied on, and even in her last years, when she was suffering from a brain tumour, her mind remained as sharp as ever. In 2003 she and I taped a long conversation, which I have put into the Articles section of the website.

Photograph is by Nigel Luckhurst, © Britten-Pears Foundation.

June 1976, rehearsal for the first performance of Phaedra, CM, Janet Baker, Britten, Rita

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Group of composers standing in a row

Panuknik composers 2023

12 March, 2023

Francois-Xavier Roth conducting

Mosaics

18 February, 2023

Aerial photo of Snape Maltings

Britten-Pears Young Artists

2 November, 2022

Upcoming Performances

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

19 July, 2023 - Nicht zu Schnell (Matthews/Mahler)
Orquesta Joven de Andalucia, Victor Pablo Pérez (conductor)
Palacio de Carlos V, Granada, Spain

20 July, 2023 - Nicht zu Schnell (Matthews/Mahler)
Orquesta Joven de Andalucia, Victor Pablo Pérez (conductor)
Palacio de Carlos V, Granada, Spain

6 June, 2025 - A Visit to Friends (World Premiere)

Snape Maltings Concert Hall - Aldeburgh Festival

7 June, 2025 - A Visit to Friends

Snape Maltings Concert Hall - Aldeburgh Festival

8 June, 2025 - A Visit to Friends

Snape Maltings Concert Hall - Aldeburgh Festival

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Useful Links

Faber Music
NMC Recordings
The Holst Foundation

© 2023 Colin Matthews · Website by Bookswarm

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