Matthew studied Conducting with Dr John Stringer during his undergraduate studies at the University of York. He directed chamber choir and camber ensemble concerts as part of the University Lunchtime Concert Series. Matthew also worked with school ensembles and set up a number of workshop projects in local Yorkshire secondary schools.
Matthew relocated to London in 2007 and began work with Sonus Cantorum Chamber Choir, as well as founding Sonitus Chamber Choir, a sixteen voice chamber choir; a joint venture with RCM graduate Stuart Murray-Turnbull. Matthew is Director of Shalford Choral Society and has recently completed a two year contract as a Choral Animateur for Rochester Cathedral's Chorister Outreach Programme, funded by Sing Up. Matthew is also Music Director of the News International Choir of London and the Take Note Singers of Lambeth, a local community choir in South London. Recent appointments include a Music Director post with the Reading Gay Chorus, and the Deputy Music Director post with the London Gay Men's Chorus. Last year, Matthew worked the News International Choir within the 2009 Music in Offices Competition (in association with Classic FM) and the 2010 Leith Hill Music Festival with Shalford Choral Society.
Matthew has worked as a cover conductor for John Gibbons with choirs that include the St Alban's Chamber Choir and the Lord William Festival Chorus in Oxfordshire. Matthew has worked as a cover chorusmaster and repetiteur with Hampstead Garden Opera (North London) and has accompanied private recitals, vocal teaching, choral workshops and ABRSM exams. Recently, Matthew worked as a vocal coach for Raised Voices, a community choir based in king's Cross, London. This involved singing workshops and sectional coaching for the male voices in the choir. Most recently, Matthew has been working as a rehearsal pianist with international conductor and tutor Toby Purser as part of the new conducting course at the Aberystwyth Music Festival.
CURRENT CONDUCTING POSTS
Music Director - Shalford Choral Society, Guildford, Surrey
Music Director - The News International Choir, London
Music Director - The Take Note Singers, London
Music Director - The Reading Gay Chorus
Deputy Music Director - The London Gay Men's Chorus
PREVIOUS POSTS
Vocal Consultant - Raised Voices, King's Cross, London
Music Director - Sonitus Chamber Choir, London
Music Director - Sonus Cantorum Chamber Choir & Opera Ensemble
Chorus Master (cover) - Hampstead Garden Opera Company, London
Chorus Master (cover) - St Alban's Chamber Choir (John Gibbons)
- The Lord William's Festival Chorus (John Gibbons)