Commissioned by the Chamber Music @ Worcester Festival 2016 MORE
Name: Matthew Kelley
School:King's Worcester
Age: 17
Hometown: Worcester
Summary of achievements
Distinction in grade 8 Singing, Piano and Violin. Head Chorister at Worcester Cathedral.
Royal College of Organists (Cert RCO). Senior Organ Scholar, Malvern Priory.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My passion is music. I have been composing for four years. Last year, I was one of the winners in the junior category of the Proms Inspire Young Composers’ Competition. My winning piece, Fantasia for Strings, was performed by the Aurora Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Collon at a Proms event at the Royal College of Music. My choral composition, ‘Alleluia, I Heard a Voice’ was recently recorded by the BBC Singers as part of Radio 3’s 70th birthday celebrations.
I am currently working towards my Diploma in Piano (DipABRSM).
What is it that inspires you?
My favourite genres are Jazz and Classical, especially twentieth century English composers such as Vaughan Williams, Elgar and Britten. I enjoy entertaining people through performance and composition and would love this to continue.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I hope to be an Organist in a great cathedral, and to compose wonderful music.
How do you like to relax in your spare time?
I love playing Jazz Piano with the Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra (WYJO). We rehearse most weeks and play gigs around the county – great fun!
