BACKWe love to see artists returning to us with new projects, and we’re really excited about this one! Six years ago, Matthew Sharp joined the WildKat family for the very first time. Matthew Sharp is not only an exceptional cellist, who has worked with the best British Orchestras including the LPO and RPO, and recorded for labels such as Sony, EMI and Decca, but he is also an internationally-recognised baritone, director… and actor!
‘Extraordinary cellist, virile baritone, compelling actor – Matthew Sharp’s astonishingly comprehensive versatility.’ The Daily Telegraph
Matthew Sharp © Raphael Klatzko
Matthew Sharp is known as an artist who is not afraid of taking risks and exploring new artistic paths. So it is no surprise that his new recording project reflects this pioneering spirit: 2018 will see the world premiere recording of Hans Gál’s “Concertino for Cello and Strings”, played by Matthew Sharp and the English Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kenneth Woods.
Gál’s style is rooted in the Austro-German musical tradition to which he remained true throughout his long career. He never followed prevailing twelve-tone fashions, nor abandoned his belief in the importance of tonality. This work, the “Concertino for Cello and Strings”, which was written by the Austrian-British composer in the mid 60s, never reached the level of popularity it deserved, despite its incredible music: fragile, rigorous, powerful and sensitive at the same time.
Matthew was approached by Kenneth Woods, conductor of the English Symphony Orchestra, to play the piece in 2013. The concert received such great acclaim – not only from the press but also from a descendant of Hans Gal himself – that they simply had to record the piece. While preparing for this first modern performance, Matthew shared his thoughts in a series of YouTube videos, under the name “Gal Concertino Diary”. Check this out, it is worth a watch!
WildKat PR is now working on spreading the word through Germany and Austria, ahead of the album release by Avie, which will take place in February 2018.