David Matthews
English composer David Matthews was born in Walthamstow, London on 9 March 1943. His younger brother Colin Matthews is also a composer.
He read Classics at Nottingham University then studied composition with Anthony Milner, and was also encouraged by Nicholas Maw. He worked as a part-time assistant to Benjamin Britten, wrote a short book about Michael Tippett (who influenced Matthews' own music considerably), and has undertaken editorial work, orchestration of film music and also contributed articles and reviews for various music journals.
From 1989 until 2003 he was Artistic Director of the Deal Festival.
His output consists of mainly orchestral, chamber, vocal and piano music.
A selection of articles about David Matthews
Classical music news. Imogen Holst and John McCabe - News of a rediscovered concerto and a new book
Ensemble. A Formidable Creation - Roderic Dunnett experiences the first performance of the opera 'Anna' by English composer David Matthews
Classical music news. Adrian Williams - The English Symphony Orchestra announces Adrian Williams as its John McCabe Composer-in-Association for 2019/20
A Conscious Tribute - Mike Wheeler praises the remarkably find muscianship of pianist Dominic Degavino
Ensemble. Sense of Purpose - Schumann and Fauré from The Schubert Ensemble delight Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Cogent Achievements - Peter Maxwell Davies' tenth symphony and other British music, heard by Roderic Dunnett
Ensemble. A Generous Weekend - The third William Alwyn Festival, attended by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Lively and Entertaining - A portrait of Antony Hopkins, heard by Patric Standford. '... a warm and generous tribute ...'
CD Spotlight. Vividly Atmospheric - Music by composers in Theresienstadt, heard by Howard Smith. 'The Nash players' programme is presented with their customary aplomb ...'
CD Spotlight. Thoughtful and Elegiac - String quartets by David Matthews, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'The performances do full justice to the music.'
Ensemble. Shattering Conviction - Mike Wheeler listens to Markus Stenz and the Hallé in music by Colin Matthews and Mahler
Bizarre Perception - Alistair Hinton discusses a recent article on English music by David Hamilton
Ensemble. Faultless Unanimity - A concert by the Roberts Quartet, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Congress of passions - The Finchley Choral Society Centenary Concert, reviewed by Keith Bramich
Ensemble. Coming of age - Keith Bramich at the twenty-first Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts
Ensemble - Sublimely sensual. Roderic Dunnett looks back on a stunning young clarinettist's début and the music of one of Britain's most rapturous modern composers, both featured at the 2001 Deal Festival
Presteigne notes - Further news from the continuing Presteigne Festival in Wales