Colin Matthews - Seascapes (Claire Booth; Marcus Farnsworth)

Information

Composer: Colin Matthews

• Seascapes
• As Time Returns
• The Island
• A Land of Rain

Claire Booth, soprano

Marcus Farnsworth, baritone

Nash Ensemble

Jessica Cottis, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Onyx Classics

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Colin Matthews, one of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished contemporary composers, celebrates his 80th birthday in the year of this release. Renowned for his large-scale orchestral works, chamber music, and ensemble compositions, Matthews has also earned recognition as a prolific arranger. His long collaboration with Deryck Cooke on the performing version of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 10 remains a significant contribution to classical music scholarship. The album Seascapes brings together four of Matthews’ song cycles, showcasing his refined vocal writing and expressive musical language. The recording features soprano Claire Booth, baritone Marcus Farnsworth, and the acclaimed Nash Ensemble, offering a compelling survey of the composer’s artistry in the realm of vocal chamber music.

Claire Booth is one of Britain’s most versatile and acclaimed sopranos, celebrated for her expressive artistry, dramatic intensity, and exceptionally broad repertoire spanning from early Baroque opera to contemporary music. Renowned for her work on both the operatic stage and concert platform, she has performed leading roles with major companies including Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera, English National Opera, and the Royal Opera House. A passionate advocate for new music, Booth has premiered more than 70 works by contemporary composers, including Oliver Knussen, Elliott Carter, and Unsuk Chin. Her 2024–25 season features major premieres, recitals, and orchestral appearances, alongside recordings marking the 150th anniversary of Arnold Schoenberg. In addition to her extensive recording career, Booth is an active broadcaster for BBC Radio 3 and serves as a mentor and course director for emerging musicians through educational initiatives at Britten Pears Arts.

Marcus Farnsworth is a distinguished British baritone and versatile recitalist, celebrated for his expressive range in both opera and concert repertoire. A former first prize-winner of the Wigmore Hall/Kohn Foundation International Song Competition, he has appeared frequently at Wigmore Hall, as well as major international venues including the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and La Monnaie. His operatic work spans roles with English National Opera, Garsington Opera, and appearances at the BBC Proms. Farnsworth has collaborated with leading conductors and ensembles across Europe, performing repertoire from Mozart and Britten to contemporary works by composers such as Thomas Adès and John Adams. In addition to his performing career, he is Founder and Artistic Director of the Southwell Music Festival, reflecting his commitment to shaping contemporary musical life.