You can find it here!
Matthew Riley (b. 1982) is an award-winning composer and arranger based in Minneapolis, MN. His wide body of work includes original compositions for radio and TV commercials, charts and orchestrations for TV shows (including NBC’s The Voice), scores for multiple documentary films, and hundreds of arrangements and orchestrations of songs for churches and recording artists. Among his accomplishments are several pieces featured on JW Pepper’s Editor’s Choice list, as well as various festival lists. In 2019 he won the SMP Press Composition Competition in two categories.
His pop-classical arrangements and compositions see thousands of performances per year by orchestras on six continents, and have been enjoyed in theaters, churches, and schools. Riley’s music was featured at Madison Square Garden for two concerts in Andrea Bocelli’s 2019 Christmas tour. Other notable performances have been by Italy’s RAI National Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Imperial Philharmonics, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka, US Marine Band, Canadian Royal 22nd Regiment Band, and the Colorado Symphony.
Matt’s philosophy for music: “I want to move and inspire audiences and musicians alike with my music. My mission in life is to share things that I find beautiful, sad, awe-inspiring, euphoric, and sublime with the world. I am not a particularly eloquent person, so I choose to do this through the language of music. My hope is that every performance of my music is a memorable, powerful, and emotionally connective experience between the performers and listeners.
Some of my pieces may be difficult to master but I believe that when musicians love what they are playing, they will rise to the challenge. For conductors, one of the most important things about leading an ensemble is that you engage with your musicians about playing music that they love. Once you start engaging students in this way, they start practicing more and they start playing their instruments more musically. The difficulty level of a piece of music doesn’t matter as much when they love the music that they are learning.
My goal for every piece I write is that it would be a challenging yet rewarding experience marked with growth on their instrument ultimately culminating in a performance that connects with the audience on a deep level."
Performances
"I really love your arrangement and production and still can't get over what feels like a miracle in finding your website and having the opportunity to contribute a musical statement myself to your superb work. You also inspired me to look more into how I could learn how to create good music myself using the fine digital technologies available. Thank you!"
- E. Dixon., San Bruno, CA
"One of the greatest joys of being a music teacher is that I get to do new music every year (year 32). When I heard your music this summer, I got so excited to come back to school. Your music has so much passion, energy, and beauty in it. .... [I] was blown away when I heard your music. Like a kid in a candy store, I bought 5 pieces that night."
- Mark A., Pleasanton, CA
"Thanks for your creative genius and attention to discipline and detail!...Absolutely Amazing! I am overwhelmed and overjoyed! Your parts, and how they are expressed have such precision and feeling!...The string track is magnifico! From its beginning to its ending, you did an excellent job of creating meaningful movements within the song."
- Kenneth G., Minneapolis, MN
"There was hardly a dry eye in the house as the audience connected with the piece in a way I have rarely experienced in concert before. I had one concert-goer approached me afterward and said she was crying by the third chord! At the conclusion, the audience leaped to their feet and gave a thunderous round of applause. I believe that was as much for you and your inspiration as for our performers, and that is why I wished to share this with you. Bravo, Maestro! And God Bless!"
- Andrew P., Cleveland Ohio
"I came across your music through youtube and other sheet music websites. And I must say, I think your music, arrangements, and flexibility of instrumentation make you truly amazing. No one else does it like you!"
- Dale K., San Bruno, California
"I cannot thank you enough for your stunning arrangements. As soon as I heard it, it was a moment when I said to myself ‘I absolutely must have this, it’s incredible!’ and that does not happen very often. I realized I got completely lost in it for 2 hours!I am so gobsmacked I can only say thank you so much for your talent. I can’t wait to play this gorgeous music and I am looking forward to trying your other song arrangements and accompaniment music. I have become a huge fan."
- Lisa W., Brisbane, Australia
News
My arrangement of Amazing Grace performed at the Canadian Funeral for Prince Philip
It was an honor to have my arrangement of Amazing Grace performed at the Canadian funeral service for Prince Philip. The Appleby College String Ensemble gave a fantastic performance. VIDEO:
Full Service:
Silk Road Released
Here's new piece for grade 2.5 string orchestra.
Description: Take your grade 2.5 students and audience on a perilous but exciting journey along the ancient Silk Road which connected travelers from the horn of Africa, through the Roman Empire and…
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Greensleeves - Full Orchestra Version
The full orchestra version of my Greensleeves arrangement is now available! Get the score and parts at the bottom of the page here.
Bach Toccata & Fugue - 60 Seconds Version - Symphonic Band
Perfect as a show opener, this rowdy 60-second version for symphonic band will grab your audience from the downbeat and is super fun to perform!
The Score and Parts are available here.
Greensleeves is here!
This mysterious and beautifully orchestrated arrangement will be the highlight of your holiday concert.. Sheet music for:
• Violin/Piano version
• Violin/Cello/Piano version
• Violin/Cello/Piano & String Orchestra version
Available here.
Sheep May Safely Graze is out!
Check it out here!
Water Lily
Water Lily is now available! Get the sheet music here!
We Three Kings - Cello Version released!
Check it out here!
Upcoming Performances
There's no place like Benaroya Hall for the holidays! Join conductor Stuart Chafetz and Broadway star N'Kenge for this dazzling program full of holiday favorites, traditional carols and plenty of yuletide cheer. All of the heartwarming sounds of the season await you at this lighthearted and joyful concert.
Matthew Riley Music @ Sioux City Symphony Orchestra: Christmas With The Symphony
Sioux City Symphony Orchestra: Christmas With The Symphony, Sioux City, IA
On Sunday, December 12th, don’t miss your chance to be a part of Siouxland’s most popular holiday traditions, Christmas with the Symphony. Hailed as the start of the Christmas season, the Symphony offers a variety of music, from the cherished old carols we have all grown to love to the timeless classics that truly make this time of year special. Don’t miss this special Sunday matinee concert, perfect for the entire family.
Matthew Riley Music @ Sioux City Symphony Orchestra: Christmas With The Symphony
Sioux City Symphony Orchestra: Christmas With The Symphony, Sioux City, IA
On Sunday, December 12th, don’t miss your chance to be a part of Siouxland’s most popular holiday traditions, Christmas with the Symphony. Hailed as the start of the Christmas season, the Symphony offers a variety of music, from the cherished old carols we have all grown to love to the timeless classics that truly make this time of year special. Don’t miss this special Sunday matinee concert, perfect for the entire family.
Matthew Riley Music @ The Boise Philharmonic: Merry & Bright
‘Tis the season! Celebrate the sounds of the holidays together with your loved ones and the Boise Phil. We’ll sample music from beloved holiday movies, including Home Alone and A Christmas Carol, spin through selections from festive classics, including The Nutcracker and Sleigh Ride, and get nostalgic with symphonic versions of your favorite carols. Bundle up, bring the whole family, and celebrate the holiday season in style.
Matthew Riley Music @ South Bend Symphony Orchestra: Home For The Holidays
South Bend Symphony Orchestra: Home For The Holidays, South Bend, IN
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with the Symphony’s annual holiday spectacular!
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra: CHRISTMAS AT HOME WITH THE SSO
Our choruses join us in song at the digital version of our popular Christmas Concert. Tune in to our celebration of the very best time of the year, featuring classical and traditional yuletide favourites, from the comfort of your home. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Matthew Riley Music @ City Of Music Orchestra Vienna: The Sound of Christmas
City Of Music Orchestra Vienna: The Sound of Christmas, Wien