Spring Concert
7:30pm, Sat, 1 Mar 2025
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- Event Details
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Type of event: Performance Start time: 7:30pm Venue: St Luke's Church
Langley Way
Watford
WD17 3EGDescription: Beethoven : Overture ‘Coriolan’
Haydn : Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra ( Soloist Matthew Kenny )
Beethoven : Symphony no 3 in E flat ‘ Eroica’
Matthew Kenny began playing the trumpet at the age of 7 under the guidance of Malcolm Melling. He continued his musical development at Watford Grammar School for Boys, where he also attended the Junior Royal Academy of Music on Saturdays. During this time, Matthew held the principal trumpet seat with the Watford Youth Orchestra and the Hertfordshire County Youth Orchestra. This early training laid the foundation for his later studies at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), where he studied trumpet from 2020 to 2024. At the RNCM, he received invaluable tuition from renowned trumpet professors including Murray Greig, John Miller, Gareth Small, and Tom Osborne. He also had the privilege of performing in masterclasses with acclaimed trumpeters such as Matthias Hofs, Pacho Flores, Phil Cobb, and Rex Richardson, further honing his skills and broadening his musical horizons.
Between 2020 and 2022, Matthew held the position of Principal Cornet at the championship section Wardle Anderson Brass Band, further expanding his musical versatility. This role allowed him to explore the world of brass band music, where he demonstrated both technical skill and expressive artistry, playing a key part in the ensemble’s performances at regional and national competitions.
In addition to his larger ensemble work, Matthew is a founding member of the M15 Brass Quintet, a well-established ensemble known for its diverse repertoire and dynamic performances. The quintet has performed at prestigious venues such as the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and Leeds Cathedral, and were the youngest of just 10 groups invited to the finals of the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition—an incredible achievement that highlights their musical talent and ambition.
Outside of music, Matthew is a passionate Watford FC season ticket holder and has the honour of receiving annual invitations to perform the Last Post during the club’s Remembrance match days, playing in front of over 20,000 people.
On top of his freelance career, Matthew teaches trumpet and piano to students of all ages and abilities. For lesson inquiries, he can be contacted at matthewkenny.mk@gmail.com.
As a rising star in the brass world, Matthew is excited to perform as a soloist with the Watford Symphony Orchestra, bringing his experience and passion for music to the stage.
