BIOGRAPHY

Recent highlights include first place in the California MTNA Young Artists' Competition, first place from the PianoHouse International Competition in the Jazz Category resulting in a performance at Carnegie Hall, second place at the Brevard Music Institute’s Piano Competition, third place in the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition Concerto Division, and first place in composition from the World Piano Teacher’s Association Spain Competition.  Krell is noted for his effortless technique, virtuosic repertoire, comedic sensibilities, and audience appeal. He is a sought-after collaborative artist, with over five thousand hours of accompanying experience spanning choral, orchestral, theatrical, instrumental, vocal, and session recording fields. He holds his Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music with an advanced certificate of theory, as well as the rare Licentiate of the Royal Conservatory in Piano Performance with distinction. 
 

At the piano, Matthew continually challenges himself, enhancing his skills and delving into a diverse range of genres and instruments—from the Harpsichord and Organ to Synth and Keytar. His knack for blending classical roots with contemporary flair is evident in his original albums and EPs: Winter, Doxology Vol. I, O Sacred Head, and Vortex. 

 

With his substantial list of the standard repertoire composers, Matthew also seeks out and presents the music of lesser-known composers from the past like Muzio Clementi, Charles-Valentin Alkan, Jean-Philippe Rameau, CPE Bach and others, as well as the music of living composers. A passionate student of jazz, his style and sound have drawn comparisons to Art Tatum and Dave Brubeck.

 

Virtuosic arrangements of pop-genre hits, original compositions, and contemporary settings of hymn tunes make regular appearances on recital programs and albums. His compositional style has been described as “contemporary Busoni”, “wildly imaginative” and “cool”.