Michael Matthews (Guitar)

We were so sorry that Pat Coldrick, the Irish guitar virtuoso, was forced to cancel his recital with us on May 24. However, we have engaged an alternative in the young, classically trained  Michael Matthews who will perform for us on the same date at Enys House. His program will range from Dowland to Debussy and Bach to Britten, as well as some contemporary music by Torroba and Rautavaara.

Born in the UK, Michael Matthews’ flamboyant and expressive performances are placing him at the forefront of the young generation. He has been praised for a rigorous technique alongside his natural creativity by leading figures in the field. His concerts are communicative, unpredictable and provocative. He brings a new identity to traditional repertoire as well as verve and dynamism to contemporary and lesser-known works. He has performed in recitals, masterclasses and competitions across the country and abroad. From 2021. Michael gave his debut performance of Joaquin Rodrigo's Concerto de Aranjuez and performed Fantasia para un Gentilhombre in 2019. In 2018 Michael was chosen by the Tillett Trust to give recitals across the UK during the 2018/2019 season. He was also selected by the Concordia Foundation to perform in outreach projects and recitals in central London and abroad. In 2019-2020 Michael studied with Paolo Pegoraro at the Segovia Guitar Academy in Pordenone, Italy. In 2019 Michael was awarded the Sir John Manduell Prize at Bromsgrove International Musicians Competition for the best performance of a contemporary work. He was supported by Help Musicians UK in 2020 and was selected by Talent Unlimited and the Countess of Munster Trust trust in 2021. Recent engagements include giving masterclasses at St Andrews and Hull universities and recitals at Brighton Festival, King’s Lynn Festival, St James’s Church Piccadilly and his debut appearance at the Wigmore Hall.