Press

• Beethoven and Sibelius with the Tampere Philharmonic

  Tampere-talo, Tampere

  Sep 2023

  • Matthew Halls has already brought a new kind of lightness and sharpness to the sound of the orchestra in just a few weeks as Chief Conductor. At the same time, he demands from the orchestra a wide range of tone nuances and intensity, both at quieter and louder extremes - these traits served Beethoven's music ideally. The interpretation of En Saga had a suitable proportion of fullness and finished details. The arc of the drama was shaped by Halls as naturally as a month ago with Sibelius' Fifth. The mysteriously soaring main theme went through all the emotional states before falling into a breathless silence.

    • Aamulehti
    • 30 September 2023

• Season Opening Concert with Tampere Philharmonic

  Tampere-talo, Tampere

  Aug 2023

  • The concert culminated in a powerful performance of Jean Sibelius' Fifth Symphony - from memory without the safety net of the score. Halls got his new orchestra to play Sibelius so convincingly that Tampere has not its equal for quite some years. He paid particular attention to the inner details, such as the accompanying patterns of the double basses, as well as shaping the big moments. In the finale, the swan theme took off wonderfully and bravely rose to the inexorable conclusion. The concert also featured the Air des Espagnols from Jean-Baptiste Lully's Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme as an encore. Through his own arrangement, Halls showed his expertise in baroque music, including a small performing role. He also demonstrated his versatility already at the packed pre-concert talk of the concert, not only talking about the works but also playing samples on the piano. All the ingredients are there for an exciting new partnership.

    • Aamulehti
    • 01 September 2023

• Beethoven with Handel and Haydn Society

  Symphony Hall, Boston

  Mar 2019

  • Indeed, the Handel and Haydn Society’s real triumphs lie in moments of spontaneous vigour, and Halls utilized this power, blasting through the symphony with an ecstatic buoyancy that overcame expectations and transported the listener.

    • Lauren V Marshall, Harvard Crimson
    • 26 March 2019

• Bach and Mendelssohn with Jacksonville Symphony

  Jacksonville, Florida

  Oct 2018

  • An early music specialist, Halls immediately displayed his comfort and authority in this repertoire, demonstrating a very attentive and intimate connection with the players. He proved himself very deft at extracting all the dynamic and rhythmic subtleties so necessary to give this music life.

    • Timothy Tuller, Florida Times-Union
    • 20 October 2018