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Percussion

Matthew Hardy

Section Leader Timpani
Photograph of percussionist Matthew Hardy sitting on a flight of stairs and smiling whilst he holds timpani malletts

Matt is the Principal Timpanist of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Originally from Bath, Matt started playing a variety of instruments before studying under Chris Stock, Steve Barnard and Phil Girling at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Matt previously held the position of Principal Timpani and Percussion with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and has continued to maintain a busy freelance career working all over the world with many of the UK and Europe's finest ensembles including the LSO, RPO, Philharmonia, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Academy of St Martin in the Fields and the Aurora Orchestra amongst many others.

Aside from performing Matt is a busy educator working at Wells Cathedral School, Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He has tutored for a variety of ensembles in England, Scotland and Wales including NYO GB and has devised and led workshops with both adults and young people of all ages and abilities. Matt feels incredibly lucky to have travelled with work which has fuelled his love of food and cooking. Matthew is a keen runner and golfer (and lover of all sports!) which, at least, mitigates some of the extra touring calories!

Image gallery

Photograph of Matthew Hardy playing the timpani on-stage at Symphony Hall
© 2022 Credit : Hannah Fathers
Photograph of Matthew Hardy wearing headphones during a recording session
© 2022 Credit : Hannah Fathers

Live in concert

  • Philip Glass' Double Timpani Concerto

Supported by Alan Titchmarsh MBE

Meet more of our players

  • Headshot of percussionist Aidy Spillett

    Adrian Spillett

    Section Leader Percussion
  • Headshot of percussionist Andrew Herbert

    Andrew Herbert

    Principal Percussion and Player Nominated Trustee
  • Headshot of percussionist Toby Kearney

    Toby Kearney

    Principal Percussion and Timpani
  • Headshot of harpist Katherine Thomas. Katherine is outside surrounded by greenery.

    Katherine Thomas

    Principal Harp

Further content for Matthew Hardy

Keep exploring... Meet the whole Orchestra

Photograph of Kazuki Yamada conducting the orchestra at Symphony Hall

Contact Details

(0121) 616 6500 information@cbso.co.uk

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Supported using public funding by Arts Council EnglandSCC

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