CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
MATTHEW FREEMAN
Matthew enjoys a diverse career as an arranger, conductor
and pianist. He is the musical supervisor and arranger for
The Rat Pack: Live from Las Vegas productions in London’s
West End, Europe, Toronto and the States. As one of the
original creators of the show, he has conducted the London
Symphony Orchestra with The Rat Pack at Blenheim Palace
and the Barbican Centre. Matthew also supervised the
making of the ‘Rat Pack’ DVD.
Matthew’s success in symphonic recordings has given him one platinum and two gold discs. Responsibilities include conducting and arranging for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of the film music to Gladiator, Die Another Day and the Symphonic Rock album which was recently performed for a fifth year running at the Royal Albert Hall. Orchestral conducting and arranging also includes work with the BBC Concert Orchestra, Danish Radio Orchestra, Sonderjyllands Symfoniorkester, Metropole Orchestra of Amsterdam and the NRK Oslo. Matthew arranged and conducts ABBA, The Show with the National Symphony Orchestra and original ABBA musicians which has been touring across Europe and the States. It played the Royal Albert Hall in 2007 and in 2008 played Wembley Arena.
He has over fifty recording credits conducting and arranging for, amongst others, Ruthie Henshall, Julia McKenzie, Millicent Martin, Lorna Luft (creating a duet with Judy Garland), Howard Keel, David Soul, Roger Whittaker, Ken Dodd, Larry Adler, and for Decca’s celebration of the Queen Mother’s 100th Birthday.
He has been musical director for numerous artists including, Mary O’Hara at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and for her 16-part TV series with the City of London Sinfonia; for Frankie Vaughan, Michael Crawford, Anthony Newley and for Shirley Bassey on tour: recordings and the Royal Variety Performance.
West End credits include: Personals (Globe), Nine (Donmar), Pippin and the European premiere of Lucky Stiff (Bridewell). He created and performed the forte piano music for Sir Peter Hall’s production of Amadeus (Old Vic) and was musical supervisor for the 2004 Olivier Awards.
Matthew was musical director for Kilworth House Theatre’s productions of Pirates Of Penzance, Oklahoma!, Crazy For You and the World Premiere of The Opera Show last year.
Film credits include vocal coaching Drew Barrymore, Elizabeth Shue and Keanu Reeves.
