St Matthew’s becomes a Community Partner of the
Northamptonshire Music Education Hub

As part of a countywide initiative, St Matthew’s has recently been accepted as a community partner in the Northamptonshire Music Education Hub. The Hub has been set up to promote the music making of young people in Northamptonshire in partnership with other Hub members and with the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT) at its head.

St Matthew’s is committed to promoting musical excellence through the church’s choirs, the fine Walker organ and Pleyel Grand Piano. By becoming a member of the Hub, St Matthew’s will be able to open its doors to

more musicians from within the locality and strengthen its links with other Hub members.

St Matthew’s Church will support the Northamptonshire Music Education Hub by:

	Providing opportunities for children and young people to sing and develop their talent for music through regular rehearsals and performances and promoting a high level of music making
	Providing opportunities and a first class venue for students to participate in performances, both in religious services and in concerts
	Encouraging young people from all sectors to become involved in music and enriching lives through a high level of music education

In December 2012 the church has played host to three separate NMPAT events. On Tuesday 4 December the last in the Autumn series of concerts was held in the church. On Wednesday 5 December the Senior Girls Choir, with their conductor Teri Deal and accompanied by St Matthew’s Director of Music Stephen Moore, recorded in the church a work written especially for them. Finally, on Wednesday 12 December NMPAT choirs all came together for their annual combined concert. The church was full to overflowing with over 250 voices in 7 choirs taking part. Coupled with an audience of well over 300 the congregational carols were sung with electrifying brilliance by all.

It is our hope at St Matthew’s that these concerts will be a mere drop in the ocean of what is to come over the approaching years and months. We look forward to welcoming more young people over the church’s threshold as they use their musical talents.

Please find below a selection of photos.