Matthew Halls’s recent appointment as artistic director for the Oregon Bach Festival has put the 37 year old Brit at the forefront of today’s leading conductors. So, we’re honored that he will be making his California debut for our January 25/26 concerts where audiences will hear a sampling of some of Classical period’s greatest composers: Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn.

Matthew is best known for his energetic and intelligent work with major symphony orchestras and opera companies around the world, as well as his vivacious musical interpretations from all periods. The Oxford-educated conductor has held positions as artistic director of the King’s Consort and is the founding director of the Retrospect Ensemble.

Beethoven’s First Symphony will be Matthew’s third outing with the powerhouse German composer. In a recent interview with Musical Toronto, Matthew describes Beethoven as being “at the heart and soul of the modern symphonic tradition.” For his debut with the Toronto Symphony last year, he led Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, a work he calls “the heart and soul of the modern symphonic tradition.” Matthew’s extensive knowledge of early period music informs his dynamic musical interpretations on period instruments, including the harpsichord, which he has performed with some of the legends of the genre, such as Monica Huggett, the English violinist who leads the Portland Baroque Orchestra.

His talents also extend to choral music, where he has conducted works ranging from the Renaissance and Baroque to more contemporary operas. Watch Matthew in action as he directs members of the University of Oregon Chamber Choir while they prepare for a performance of Domenico Scarlatti’s Stabat Mater.

We’re excited to have such an immensely talented conductor and look forward to watching his career unfold with the Oregon Bach Festival!