An ode to Matthew Halls, British conductor extraordinaire
We asked Oregon students to describe him in one word
The UO Chamber Choir had the pleasure of welcoming a high profile musical guest this month. The university Singers were honored to be under the phenomenal instruction of British conductor Matthew Halls for one week, and were able to spend their rehearsal time to work with Halls who helped them prepare Agostino Steffani’s poignant, Stabat Mater and Louis Vierne’s beautiful Messe Solennelle.
University Singers prepared to sing for Matthew Halls
Although a musician can’t help but appreciate working with someone who connects with the music there’s no shortage of fangirling that occurs when an attractive British conductor is smack dab in front of you. He has been described by the singers as knowledgeable, inspiring, charismatic but also handsome, attractive and a hotter version of Derek Shepherd.
Here’s how some of the singers described Matthew Halls if they only had one word:
Hannah Tooley, Senior, Advertising
“My word to describe the week of Halls would be privilege . I think it encompasses all of the other words I might use. Learning experience, opportunity, growth, fun, awesome! I feel like the opportunity to learn from people from all over the world is a blessing. In the Q&A with Matthew Halls, he said that learning how we describe music and work with texts and language is like learning another language. Learning from people is something I think this world lacks at the moment.”
Joshuah, Freshman, Music Education
“Eccentric! He’s super out there, move’s all around, always seems super excited, full of energy and he is very passionate about everything that he does!”
Abbie Winn, Sophomore, Advertising
“Captivating: He has this power and it is different in all the right ways. He’s able to show precise movements in very connected and sweeping ways which is very hard to do.”
Celeste Dax, Freshman
“Intense. He would always say “fine” after we sang and he always sounded angry but he wasn’t angry he was just British.”
Therefore, on behalf of all the singers who have gotten to experience Matthew Halls I present:
An Ode Matthew Halls
To the bender of music and will,
We sing your praises.
The pinnacle of conductors you draw out our best,
We are left star-struck, inspired and out of breath…literally
You shape our phrases and fix our gazes,
Our faces frozen in “ah”
Of the power you wield as you direct our voices
The music created: sweet melody-making.
Your strong arms give order and sweep through the air
Painting concert halls with magnificent song.
The world is blessed by your artistry and presence–
(we can’t complain about the accent, either)–
Each singer remembers the days they spent in the radiance of such a conductor.