MATTHEW JONES, VIOLIN
Described by ‘Fanfare’ Magazine as ‘the finest violist since William Primrose’, Matthew enjoys a diverse performing and teaching career, equally at home as soloist or chamber musician playing both violin and viola, performing classical or contemporary repertoire or improvising. He gave a critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall recital debut in 2008, and until recently was a member of Ensemble MidtVest. Matthew was a member of the Badke String Quartet when they won the 2007 Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition.
Matthew has recorded twenty-two solo and chamber CDs, including four for Naxos which include ‘Britten: Reflections’ with pianist Annabel Thwaite, named Chamber CD of the Month by BBC Music Magazine. Matthew is Head of Chamber Music and Professor of Viola at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and directs the Intermediate Course at Pro Corda. In recent years he has premiered concertos by Tolibkhon Shakhidi, Derek Ball and Gordon Crosse.
Born in Swansea, Matthew is also a composer, mathematics graduate and teacher of the Alexander Technique and Kundalini Yoga. In the capacity of Alexander and Yoga/Meditation teacher he has worked individually with more than 1600 musicians. Matthew frequently presents workshops on empowering musicians and enhancing performance, clients of which have included world-renowned conductors and soloists, world champion athletes and orchestras including the New World Symphony, Melbourne Symphony and the European Union Youth Orchestra.
Matthew has recorded twenty-two solo and chamber CDs, including four for Naxos which include ‘Britten: Reflections’ with pianist Annabel Thwaite, named Chamber CD of the Month by BBC Music Magazine. Matthew is Head of Chamber Music and Professor of Viola at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and directs the Intermediate Course at Pro Corda. In recent years he has premiered concertos by Tolibkhon Shakhidi, Derek Ball and Gordon Crosse.
Born in Swansea, Matthew is also a composer, mathematics graduate and teacher of the Alexander Technique and Kundalini Yoga. In the capacity of Alexander and Yoga/Meditation teacher he has worked individually with more than 1600 musicians. Matthew frequently presents workshops on empowering musicians and enhancing performance, clients of which have included world-renowned conductors and soloists, world champion athletes and orchestras including the New World Symphony, Melbourne Symphony and the European Union Youth Orchestra.
Recognised as one of the most versatile and charismatic pianists, Annabel won all the major accompanying prizes, including the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier, Gold Medal, and Richard Tauber piano prizes. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has toured throughout the world, in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Royal Festival and Albert Halls and recitals in The Bordeaux and Monte Carlo Opera Houses. She has collaborated with renowned artists including Sir Bryn Terfel, Roberto Alagna, Rebecca Evans, BBC singers, performed chamber music with the Danish Ensemble Midtvest and also recorded music for the Michael Clarke Dance Company at the Barbican. She has also been the accompanist to the London Welsh Male Voice choir for over 16 years and with them has performed all over the world.
Annabel’s discography includes The Scottish Tenor for Universal Records, which was nominated for a Classical Brit Award, a world premiere recording of music by Hilary Tann, a disc of romantic violin and piano works with Matthew Jones, “Fusions” by Edward-Rhys Harry and the complete Violin and Viola works of Benjamin Britten and William Walton for Naxos, named Chamber CD of the Month by BBC Music Magazine. As a film session pianist, she has recorded the music for the Hollywood movie Awake, the BBC Jane Austen series Emma, The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister and the Spanish film De tu Ventana. Five times the accompanist for the Festival of Welsh Male voice choirs, her performances at the Royal Albert Hall were recorded and released by Sain and have been aired on UK television. Further TV appearances include Blue Peter, The Rob Brydon Show and a documentary following a day in the life of Sir Bryn Terfel for BBC 4.
Annabel’s extensive teaching experience has included writing a regular column for “Pianist” magazine, being Director of the Core courses at the Pro Corda International Chamber Music Academy and adjudicating at numerous festivals and competitions, including the National Chamber Music Festival. In addition to being an Associated Board Music examiner, Annabel is extremely committed to outreach projects, having been a member of the “Live Music Now!” and “Lost Chord” schemes.
In addition to all her performing, Annabel is a mother to two young children so to keep herself grounded she is also a qualified Vinyasa Flow yoga teacher and gives classes and workshops specializing in the benefits of yoga for musicians. Future engagements include recitals with Sir Bryn Terfel at Zurich Opera House and the Riga Jurmala Music Festival.
Annabel’s discography includes The Scottish Tenor for Universal Records, which was nominated for a Classical Brit Award, a world premiere recording of music by Hilary Tann, a disc of romantic violin and piano works with Matthew Jones, “Fusions” by Edward-Rhys Harry and the complete Violin and Viola works of Benjamin Britten and William Walton for Naxos, named Chamber CD of the Month by BBC Music Magazine. As a film session pianist, she has recorded the music for the Hollywood movie Awake, the BBC Jane Austen series Emma, The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister and the Spanish film De tu Ventana. Five times the accompanist for the Festival of Welsh Male voice choirs, her performances at the Royal Albert Hall were recorded and released by Sain and have been aired on UK television. Further TV appearances include Blue Peter, The Rob Brydon Show and a documentary following a day in the life of Sir Bryn Terfel for BBC 4.
Annabel’s extensive teaching experience has included writing a regular column for “Pianist” magazine, being Director of the Core courses at the Pro Corda International Chamber Music Academy and adjudicating at numerous festivals and competitions, including the National Chamber Music Festival. In addition to being an Associated Board Music examiner, Annabel is extremely committed to outreach projects, having been a member of the “Live Music Now!” and “Lost Chord” schemes.
In addition to all her performing, Annabel is a mother to two young children so to keep herself grounded she is also a qualified Vinyasa Flow yoga teacher and gives classes and workshops specializing in the benefits of yoga for musicians. Future engagements include recitals with Sir Bryn Terfel at Zurich Opera House and the Riga Jurmala Music Festival.
