British composer Colin Matthews has enjoyed a flourishing compositional career since the 1970s. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2011 for his services to music. In addition to his compositional career, Matthews is also the founder and Executive Producer of NMC Recordings. The focal point of this album, his Violin Concerto, was premiered by Leila Josefowicz with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in September 2009 under the direction of Oliver Knussen. Knussen and Josefowicz appear on this recording as well, alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra.