Matthew Williams

Principal Trumpet

Originally from South Wales, Matthew Williams started on the cornet at the age of eight and was a member of the National Youth Brass Band and Orchestra of Wales throughout school. Graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with First Class Honours, he moved to London to complete a Master's degree at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was recently made an Associate. 

Matt has enjoyed a rich and varied freelance career, spanning over 10 years, working with many of the UK’s finest symphony, opera and ballet orchestras, including the Sinfonia of London, London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, English National Opera, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Hallé Orchestra. Matt was also part of the orchestra that performed at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. He also performs regularly in London’s West End on various shows including Wicked, Matilda and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

Matt can also be heard on numerous television programmes and adverts such as for Doctor Who, McDonald's, Wonders of the Celtic Deep, Volkswagen and Torchwood, and has performed alongside Sir Elton John, Pet Shop Boys and Sting.

Chair Patron

This Chair is currently available for support. Becoming an RPO Chair Patron allows supporters to build a closer relationship with our players and offers unique insights into our broader programme of activity. Find out more about becoming an RPO Chair Patron here.

How did you become involved with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO)?

Before becoming a member of the Orchestra, I was fortunate to work with the RPO for around ten years as a freelancer. I was called the evening before a tour to travel to Rimini when a member of the trumpet section was unable to travel at short notice. From then on, I came in as an extra for many years before auditioning for the position of Principal Trumpet and being appointed in September 2022.

What was your first experience of orchestral music?

I started on the cornet and in the brass band community, but I was extremely lucky to have two fantastic teachers with Carmarthenshire Music Service who opened my eyes to orchestral, jazz and classical music from a young age. I then joined my county orchestra and it continued from there.

How did you find yourself on this career journey?

My older brother was also a trumpet player, so it just seemed natural to follow in his footsteps to a local brass band and then National Youth ensembles until ending up in the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama together.

What is the best thing about being part of the RPO?

For me, it’s the chance to work with fantastic colleagues and friends on a variety of different styles and genres of music, ranging from Brahms to Elvis Presley.

Tell us about your favourite RPO journey.

I would have to say Montreux in Switzerland. The concert venue there backs onto the lake and it’s one of the most wonderful views I’ve ever seen.

Do you have any pre-concert rituals?

Not particularly as a performer, as so many things change for each concert (venues, times, locations, etc). It’s hard to say that I have any set rituals as such.

Must listens – if you had to recommend one artist or composer, who would it be and why?

Gustav Mahler – brilliant music all round, but especially good brass writing!

If you could work with any artist on a performance or project, who would you choose?

Elvis Presley. I was part of the UK arena tour some years ago with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, where footage from live Elvis concerts is used on a big screen and the orchestra accompanies. That’s as close as it can get sadly.

Away from music, tell us two of your favourite hobbies and why they strike such a chord.

I follow many sports, but especially Welsh Rugby. I come from a village where rugby is at the heart of the community. I played from the age of seven to sixteen and I’ve never stopped watching. The rugby is always on at home in Pontyberem. Monday mornings in the RPO tend to consist of dissecting the weekend’s rugby with fellow Welshman Kevin Morgan (Principal Tuba). I also enjoy cooking and have recently started spending far too much time (and money!) making coffees at home.

Dream dinner party – who would you invite, what would you cook?

Ted Lasso, Michael Jordan and my family. Probably a curry!

First published June 2023