Michael Matthews is a British guitarist whose flamboyant and expressive performances are placing him at the forefront of the young generation. He has been praised for a rigorous technique alongside his natural creativity by leading figures in the field. His concerts are communicative, unpredictable and provocative. He brings a new identity to traditional repertoire as well as verve and dynamism to contemporary and lesser-known works. He has performed in recitals, masterclasses and competitions across the country and abroad.


Michael has received lessons and masterclasses from Stephen Goss, Nigel North, Elizabeth Kenny, Marco Tamayo, Tilman Hoppstock, David Russell and Fabio Zanon. In 2019-2020 he studied at the Segovia Guitar Academy with Paolo Pegoraro. He completed his postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music with Michael Lewin. Recent chamber music projects include touring with soprano Holly Teague and a commission from composer Martin Bussey setting Mary Webb’s poetry to music. Michael is also a member of the Cerulean Trio with guitarists Bradley Johnson and Gonçalo Maia Caetano. Recently, Michael has performed with guitarist Declan Hickey.


Michael has received awards from leading trusts, competitions and organisations in the UK leading to giving widespread recitals, masterclasses and outreach projects at Bath Guitar Festival, Brighton Festival, King’s Lynn Festival, St James’s Church Piccadilly, St George’s Bristol, Kings Place and the Wigmore Hall. In 2018 he was selected by the Concordia Foundation and Tillett Trust. He was awarded the Sir John Manduell Prize at Bromsgrove International Musicians Competition 2019 for the best performance of a contemporary work. Since 2020 his career and studies are supported by the Annie Tranmer Trust, Kochan Trust, Talent Unlimited, Help Musicians UK and the Countess of Munster Trust. Michael was also a recipient of the Blyth Watson Award and Timothy Gilson Guitar Prize at the Royal Academy of Music. In 2022 he was chosen as part of the young artists’ platform by the International Guitar Foundation for performances of new music across the UK and a recital at the London Guitar Festival 2023.