Last month, I was delighted to speak to cellist and composer Matthew Barley. His latest album, Light Stories is a deeply personal exploration of his own journey from darkness to light. Having experienced, a psychotic drug incident as a teenager. Matthew found solace in his cello playing and music-making as you'll hear in a moment.
Matthew and I talked about the genesis behind his Light Stories project, which not only includes his album but also a series of multimedia concert performances this autumn across the UK. Further dates are to be announced.
Matthew also has planned to set up an arts foundation to help young people learn more about the importance of good mental health practices through music and the performing arts.
Additionally, we discussed improvisation within a classical music context, and our own experiences of mental health.
If you're affected by any of the issues in this podcast. Please do contact a helpline or seek medical help.
Thank you also to Rebecca and Flora at RDMR for putting me in touch with Matthew for this interview.
Additional music: The Dreaming by Matthew Barley from Light Stories released on 27 September, 2024 on Signum Classics.