Birth

:

in Neath, Glamorgan, Wales

 

Andrew Matthews-Owen is a British classical pianist and composer who has gained international recognition for his virtuosic performances and innovative compositions. Born in 1986 in London, Matthews-Owen showed an early aptitude for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He was encouraged by his parents, both of whom were amateur musicians, and received his first formal training at the Royal College of Music Junior Department. Matthews-Owen continued his studies at the Royal College of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree with first-class honors. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied with renowned pianist Christopher Elton. During his time at the Royal Academy of Music, Matthews-Owen won several awards and competitions, including the Harold Craxton Prize for Accompaniment and the Christian Carpenter Prize for Piano. After completing his studies, Matthews-Owen began to establish himself as a soloist and chamber musician, performing at major venues throughout the UK and Europe. He has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including violinist Nicola Benedetti, cellist Steven Isserlis, and soprano Lucy Crowe. He has also performed with leading orchestras, such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. One of Matthews-Owen's most notable performances was his debut at the BBC Proms in 2013, where he performed as soloist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He played the world premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage's "Martland Memorial" for piano and orchestra, which was written in memory of composer Steve Martland. The performance was widely praised for Matthews-Owen's technical skill and musical sensitivity. In addition to his work as a performer, Matthews-Owen is also an accomplished composer. He has written works for solo piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra, and his music has been performed by leading musicians and ensembles around the world. His compositions have been described as "bold and imaginative" and "full of energy and vitality." Matthews-Owen has received numerous awards and accolades for his work as a musician and composer. In 2014, he was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Young Artist Award, which recognizes outstanding young musicians in the UK. He was also named a BBC New Generation Artist in 2015, which provided him with opportunities to perform and record with the BBC orchestras and ensembles. Matthews-Owen's recordings have received critical acclaim, with his debut album "Shadows" being described as "a stunning debut" by Gramophone magazine. The album features his own compositions as well as works by Schumann, Liszt, and Ravel. His second album, "Echoes and Embers," was released in 2019 and features his own compositions for piano and orchestra. In addition to his performing and composing work, Matthews-Owen is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, and has given masterclasses and workshops around the world. He is passionate about sharing his love of music with the next generation of musicians and inspiring them to pursue their own artistic visions. Overall, Andrew Matthews-Owen is a talented and versatile musician who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music.

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