Causes

Matthew enjoys lending his professional profile to several charitable causes, including endorsing social projects, offering support to educational and cultural initiatives, and giving fundraising recitals.
Matthew is a passionate believer in widening access for arts education, and in his role as Patron of the National Youth Arts Trust he helps to support talented young people aged 12–25 from non-privileged backgrounds.

He is also Patron of The Sand House Charity, which supports educational, artistic and heritage projects linked with South Yorkshire.

He has served on numerous artistic panels, including for seven years on the Concerts Committee of The Worshipful Company of Musicians, a charity (No. 310040) which, as the only City of London Livery Company dedicated to the performing arts, nurtures talent and shares music through their concerts, outreach, awards and young artists’ programme.

In 2020, Matthew was nominated to be a Member of The Royal Society of Musicians, a charity (No. 208879) that supports those working across the music profession whose lives have been affected by accident or illness.

For his charitable work including a major fundraising recital in the City of London, Matthew was honoured in 2021 by the Order of Malta with the Cross pro Merito Melitensi.
If you would like to discuss how Matthew can help your charity – for example, by organising or giving a benefit recital for your organisation – please get in touch.

Selected charitable projects

  • Supporting wider access to arts education
    Matthew is a passionate believer in widening access for arts education, and in his role as Patron of the National Youth Arts Trust (No. 1152367) he helps to support talented young people aged 12–25 from non-privileged backgrounds.
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    Studying music demands resources that many talented young learners do not have. At a time when opportunities in music are so chronically under-resourced, the work of the National Youth Arts Trust, of which I am delighted to be Patron, is more imperative than ever.
  • Supporting educational, artistic and heritage projects
    Matthew is Patron of The Sand House Charity (No. 1171875), which carries out educational, artistic and heritage projects and activities linked with South Yorkshire.
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    I am utterly delighted to support the work of The Sand House Charity. I hope that their work will go from strength to strength and continue to inspire generations to come.
  • Benefit recitals
    • forthcoming, 2022, Westminster: Solo recital for Royal Society of Musicians (No. 208879)
    • 5 Apr 2019, City of London: Solo and chamber recital in aid of Order of Malta (No. 1103567) – raised over £1300 to help the Companions of the Order of Malta’s work for the poor and the homeless.
    • 12 Oct 2018, Doncaster: Solo recital in aid of The Sand House Charity (No. 1171875) – raised £500 for advancing the education of the public in history, art and sculpture.
    • 20 Jun 2015, Sidcup: Solo and chamber recital in aid of Cancer Research UK (No. 1089464) – raised £300 to help with pioneering research to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
    • 8 Apr 2014, Southwark: Solo recital in aid of Order of the Holy Sepulchre (No. 262033) – raised £800 for Christians in the Holy Land.
    • 14 Jan 2007, Westminster: Chamber recital in aid of Miles Jesu Trust (No. 1109419) – raised £1000 for the relief of poverty.
  • Premiering and commissioning new music
    For over 20 years, Matthew has been supporting composers by premiering and commissioning new works, resulting in over one hundred and forty first performances.
    New music is the life blood of the classical industry. I am pleased to advocate for the creative process and to play my part in bringing music to new audiences.
    Read more at the Premieres page.
  • Fostering Sacred Music
    In 2011, Matthew founded vocal ensemble Cantus Magnus to provide much needed high-quality polyphony and chant for celebrations of the traditional Latin Mass, particularly in London. The group supports a periodic composition prize.
    The Covid-19 situation has seen a hugely detrimental effect on the arts sector, and musicians have been amongst the most adversely impacted. I hope this prize will provide an incentive to be creative and to build up a working relationship with other professional musicians as we support each other.
  • Fundraising
    Matthew’s latest fundraising project is a chance for friends and supporters to make a real difference to the artistic output of musicians, particularly young pianists at the start of their careers.
    Professional pianists encounter the best concert grand pianos when they perform and record but many lack a high-quality instrument on which to practice. ... I want to help by increasing access for young students otherwise rehearsing on home uprights but expected to perform to the highest standards.