Gifted Young Pianist to Play the Schimmel Grand Piano 

Martinborough Music Festival  September 17 – 19, 2021, Martinborough Town Hall

“I can’t wait to come along to the Festival in September. I think I have some very big shoes to fill playing the Schimmel” Yes indeed, Michael Houstoun, “a New Zealand Legend” says Laurence, and Diedre Irons. 

Laurence Matheson, 25 years old, is one of Australia’s most exciting musicians and is in demand across the country as a soloist, chamber musician and collaborative pianist.

 In 2015 Laurence met New Zealand violinist Wilma Smith. Wilma led an unconducted Mozart concerto he was playing in Melbourne. This was Laurence’s first performance with a professional orchestra which was made more than a little daunting because it was unconducted. He found Wilma Smith to be supportive, making it easy and comfortable for him “She is a wonderful musician”. Since this time, Laurence has collaborated with Wilma on several chamber music projects “I always welcome the chance to perform with her and her warm approach to chamber music”. It was Wilma Smith who suggested Laurence Matheson as the pianist for this year’s Martinborough Music Festival (MMF).

Laurence is looking forward to being part of our Festival “I will meet new exceptional musical friends and be playing for an audience that is entirely new to me.” If you are inclined, Laurence is a keen follower of cricket and will happily discuss the game with you. He could well have made the decision to combine his musical ambitions with those of playing cricket. The time commitment to become expert at both piano and cricket was not sustainable. Fortunately for chamber music lovers, he chose the piano.

Artistic Director, Vicki Jones together with Wilma Smith has put together another line up of top-drawer musicians, some of whom previous Festival audiences will recognise; Bridget Douglas (Flute 2017), Christopher Moore (Viola 2018/19), Matthias Balzat (Cello 2018/19), Gillian Ansell (Viola 2020), Monique Lapins (Violin 2020) Wilma Smith (Violin 2018/19), Laurence Matheson (Piano) and another newcomer, Timo-Veikko Valve (Cello)

Go to the MMF website for the full four-concert programme – https://www.martinboroughmusicfestival.co.nz/concerts

Advance sales via MMF mailing list from 01 June; public sales from 01 July. Join the mailing list via the website; https//www.martinboroughmusicfestival.co.nz                     Winifred Bull