Born in England, of Scottish and Gabonese descent, Matthew Rooke’s work spans musical composition and performance and producing and directing theatre work.  His work spans an eclectic and diverse range of forms and creative partners, spanning the worlds of opera, classical music and contemporary jazz, rock and traditional music.  His musical partners and collaborations range from Sir John Tavener, Billy Childish, Nitin Sawhney, Ric Sanders, Fred Thelonious Baker, The James Taylor Quartet and The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.

In the theatre he has created scores for Theatre Royal Stratford East, Talawa, The  Leicester Haymarket and the Royal National Theatre .  He has worked as Musical Director and arranger for Directors/Authors such as Yvonne Brewster, Tim Supple, Mark Bramble, John Dexter, Philip Hedley, Tim Flavin, Barrie Keeffe  and Henry Krieger and with actors such as Paul Barber, Helen McCrory, Miriam Karlin, Donna Croll, Mona Hammond, Gary Shail, Mark McGann, David Harewood, Cathy Tyson, and Bonnie Langford to name but some.

Hear the World Premiere of Matthew Rooke’s Tamboo-Bamboo Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra on 24 & 25 October 2025.