A Memorial Concert for Michael Gough Matthews

The much-loved figure of Michael Gough Matthews (popularly known as MGM), who died in April, had a lifelong association with the RCM.

He commenced his piano studies at the RCM at the age of just eight, won the Hopkinson Medal for piano performance in his final year, and – after a successful career as a pianist and educator – returned to the RCM as first Director of the Junior Department, then Registrar, Director of Studies and Vice-Director, before finally becoming Director of the RCM from 1984 until his retirement in 1993.

For this special tribute concert, we welcome back RCM alumnus Sir Roger Norrington for a sparkling concert of MGM’s beloved French repertoire. On the bill are Fauré’s enchanting incidental music for Maeterlinck’s play, Ibert’s jazz-inspired Flute Concerto – brought to life by outstanding young Spanish flautist Andrea Amat, winner of the RCM Concerto Competition – and Berlioz’s astounding symphonic representation of five “episodes in the life of artist”.