Matthew currently enjoys a busy career as a chamber musician and soloist. Recent highlights include appearances at the 2012 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 Abbey Dore, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Churchdown, Cirencester, Durham, Farnham, Guildford, Godalming, London, Oxford, Windsor and Woking. Matthew has recorded four CDs for the EM Records label with the violinist Rupert Marshall-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 also recorded a disc of chamber music by John Pickard for the Toccata Classics label. 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 performances at the 2013 English Music Festival and at the Pittville Pump Room in Cheltenham, as well as 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, Horsley Choral Society, 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.