Matthew currently enjoys a busy career as a chamber musician and soloist. Recent highlights include appearances at the 2011 English Music Festival, the National Concert Hall in Dublin and concerts in France and The Netherlands. Matthew has also recently given concerts at venues in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Churchdown, Cirencester, Durham, Guildford, Hitchin, London, Oxford, Windsor and Woking. Matthew has recorded two CDs for the EM Records label with the violinist Rupert Luck. The first disc, a recording of English Violin Sonatas by Arthur Bliss, Henry Walford Davies and York Bowen was awarded “RECORDING OF THE MONTH” by MusicWeb International and has been described as “a complete success” by International Record Review. Matthew’s playing on the second disc, featuring music by Granville Bantock and Joseph Holbrooke has been described as “heroically impressive”. Matthew has performed live on BBC Radio 3’s “In Tune” programme, and has also helped to set up a concert series at his local church, St. Peter’s in Old Woking, Surrey.

 

Forthcoming plans include recitals at the 2012 English Music Festival and the English Choral Experience in Herefordshire. Also forthcoming is a CD of chamber music by the contemporary composer John Pickard with Toccata Classics, and further recordings for EM Records.

 

As an orchestral pianist Matthew has worked with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Moscow City Ballet and the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. As a rehearsal pianist Matthew has worked with Constanza Chorus, Godalming Choral Society, Guildford Opera Company, Hart Voices, Lloyds Choir, Royal Free Music Society and the Rushmoor Choir.

 

Matthew is an experienced piano teacher and has previously taught at the University of Surrey. He currently teaches at Longacre School in Surrey as well as having a private teaching practice in the Woking area.

Matthew Rickard read Music at the University of Surrey where he studied the piano with Clive Williamson. During this time Matthew developed his interest in chamber music and ensemble playing and was a prizewinner in the annual chamber music competition at the University. Matthew pursued his postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music, studying with Michael Dussek and Graeme Humphrey, specialising in piano accompaniment.

Matthew has also lived in Japan, where he worked as an English teacher, teaching all ages of student, from three to seventy. Though safely back in the UK, he retains an interest for all things Japanese. You can see some photos from his travels in Japan by clicking here. His other interests include photography, walking, motor racing, eating out and travel.