Matthew Halls
conductor
The word “versatile” is an apt description for British conductor Matthew Halls. He first came to prominence as a keyboard player and early music conductor, but Halls is now better known for his dynamic and intelligent work with major symphony orchestras and opera companies, and for his probing and vibrant interpretations of music of all periods.
Increasingly in demand by North American symphony orchestras, Halls has performed with the Cleveland and Philadelphia Orchestras; Dallas, Pittsburgh, Houston, Seattle, Indianapolis, and Utah Symphonies; Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra; and National Arts Centre Orchestra. His debut with the Toronto Symphony, in which he led Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony “captured much of the energy and excitement that its first audience must have felt at its premiere nearly 200 years ago” (Toronto Star). Having served as Artistic Director of the Oregon Bach Festival for five years, Halls is equally at home conducting baroque and contemporary repertoire.
In 2019-20, Halls’ North American guest appearances include return appearances with Seattle (Messiah), Kansas City (Haydn, MacMillan, Beethoven), and Jacksonville (Brahms Symphony No. 2) Symphonies along with an appearance at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. He recently made his New York debut with Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival in a performance with violinist Joshua Bell.