Conductor

Cellist

Light Stories presents tales from Matthew Barley’s life, told through music and projected imagery, narrating his search for meaning in music-making and how, in time, he came to heal past wounds. The performance incorporates pieces by Joby Talbot, Anna Meredith, John Metcalfe and Bach with new works by Barley, connected by moments of improvisation and electronics.

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Matthew Barley: Light Stories

Bute Park

The cellist harnesses the power of music to console, comfort and uplift in a specially commissioned concert experience, with visuals from Yeast Culture.

Southbank Centre

Let cellist and conductor Matthew Barley take you on a spiritual journey through sound. The concert opens with Arvo Pärt's Fratres, a meditative work that unfolds slowly, like a musical breath - each note emerging carefully from the silence. From there, Barley's own inspired improvisation and Astor Piazzolla's tango Milonga del Angel will lead us into Pärt's Festina lente, a piece of enchanting simplicity that resonates with serene beauty and spiritual depth. Pärt's music invites you to pause and listen to the spaces between the notes.

Conductor, Cellist

Matthew Barley

Events

Upcoming events

May 30, 2026

Pärt & Tavener · Residentie Orkest Den Haag

Past events

Oct 3, 2024

Matthew Barley: Light Stories · Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

Sep 28, 2024

Matthew Barley: Light Stories · Southbank Centre

About

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