Role

:

Conductor  

Genre

:

Choral

 

Matthew Halls is a renowned conductor, harpsichordist, and organist who has made a significant impact on the classical music scene. Born in Egerton, Kent, England, in 1973, Halls showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He later learned to play the organ and harpsichord, and by the age of 11, he was already performing in public. Halls attended the King's School in Canterbury, where he was a chorister in the cathedral choir. He later studied music at the University of Oxford, where he was a choral scholar at New College. During his time at Oxford, Halls developed a passion for early music and began to specialize in the performance of Baroque music on period instruments. After completing his studies, Halls began his career as a freelance musician, performing as a harpsichordist and organist with various ensembles. He also worked as a conductor, leading performances of both Baroque and contemporary music. In 2001, Halls was appointed as the artistic director of the Retrospect Ensemble, a period-instrument ensemble based in Oxford. Halls quickly gained a reputation as a talented and innovative conductor, and he was soon in demand as a guest conductor with orchestras and ensembles around the world. In 2006, he was appointed as the artistic director of the Oregon Bach Festival, a position he held until 2013. During his tenure, Halls transformed the festival into one of the most prestigious and innovative classical music events in the United States. Halls has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked with many of the world's leading soloists, including Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, and Renée Fleming. One of Halls' most notable achievements was his performance of Handel's Messiah with the Oregon Bach Festival in 2010. The performance was broadcast live on television and was widely praised for its innovative staging and interpretation. Halls also conducted the world premiere of John Adams' The Gospel According to the Other Mary at the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2012. In addition to his work as a conductor, Halls is also a highly regarded harpsichordist and organist. He has recorded several albums of Baroque music, including works by Bach, Handel, and Scarlatti. His recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including a Gramophone Award in 2013 for his recording of Handel's Concerti Grossi, Op. 6. Halls has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2009, he was awarded the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Conductor Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in conducting. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Oregon in 2013 in recognition of his contributions to the arts. Today, Halls continues to be one of the most sought-after conductors and performers in the classical music world. He is known for his innovative and dynamic interpretations of Baroque and contemporary music, and his performances are always eagerly anticipated by audiences and critics alike.

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