Cantamus’ Music Director Biography
Matthew began his music career as a chorister at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. Since then he has sung with numerous choirs including The National Youth Choir of Great Britain, Cambridge University Choir, Cambridge Chorale and London Oriana. As a music educator he has given conducting workshops for the Association of British Choral Directors. He has also worked for the Armonico Consort Academy as part of their education programme leading singing workshops for students and teachers across schools in the West Midlands
In 1990 Matthew set up his first vocal group, Octet (made up from a group of old school friends) who gave regular concerts throughout the South of England, a tour to Northern France and even sang backing vocals on a recording for a pop group!
In 2015 he formed a new vocal ensemble, Cantare in Warwickshire which aimed to promote new composers and introduce choral music to new audiences. The group gave various concerts in the local counties including singing in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, local National Trust properties and for a music project to promote new choral works inspired by Shakespeare on the 450th anniversary of his birth.
Since leaving his post as Director of Music at King’s High School in 2018, he has taken up various choral posts including organist and choirmaster at St James’ Church, Alveston, Director of Chapel Music, Singing Teacher at King Edward VI School, Stratford Upon Avon and most recently Music Director of Cantamus Chamber Choir.
He also has worked extensively in Music Theatre including Music Director for Chess, Cabaret, Oliver, Peter Pan, Guys and Dolls and West Side Story. In 2023 he was appointed as Music Director for Stratford Music Theatre Company Choir.
Away from music Matthew has ventured into the world of horticulture (his other passion) and is now a gardener for the National Trust.