Matthew Berry, the conductor and joint-founder of the choir, studied music at University College, Oxford, where he was Organ Scholar and then Assistant Organist. He has studied organ under David Sanger, David Goode and Ian Curror. After conducting The Oxford Chamber Choir for two years as a student, he founded Commotio in 1999. Having finished his degree, he studied post-graduate choral direction with Patrick Russill for two years at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Matthew’s expertise lies in the research and promotion of little-known contemporary choral repertoire, principally from Scandinavia, South Africa, the United States and Slovenia. In twenty years working with Commotio, he has initiated many premieres including, recently, the UK Premiere of Falcinelli’s Messe de Saint-Dominique.
In February 2013, the Governing Body of the Royal Academy of Music elected Matthew as Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM), an award to ‘former students who have made a significant contribution to the music profession’.
Matthew’s expertise lies in the research and promotion of little-known contemporary choral repertoire, principally from Scandinavia, South Africa, the United States and Slovenia. In twenty years working with Commotio, he has initiated many premieres including, recently, the UK Premiere of Falcinelli’s Messe de Saint-Dominique.
In February 2013, the Governing Body of the Royal Academy of Music elected Matthew as Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM), an award to ‘former students who have made a significant contribution to the music profession’.