North Sea Sketches: Neil Birse & Matthew Kilner

Aberdeen born Neil Birse is a classically trained jazz pianist. He graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has been involved in various projects in Scotland, London and abroad. Whilst studying, Neil was pianist and assistant MD to the Guildhall Jazz Singers who performed regularly. He is passionate about performance and education and has led group workshops in schools and privately. Performing regularly in a variety of ensembles, he enjoys taking inspiration from the Jazz, Folk, Classical and Rock worlds to excite and empower young musicians with musical possibilities.  Neil also loves the outdoors.

Matthew Kilner is an active musician, educator, and award-winning saxophonist, currently based in Glasgow. Matthew regularly performs at festivals and jazz clubs around the UK and abroad including; London’s Pizza Express Live, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and the 2023 Regensburg Jazz Festival. In 2019, Matthew won the prestigious Ogston Performance Prize whilst attending the University of Aberdeen, and most recently reached the final of the 2023 BBC Radio Scotland Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition. Matthew is an established band leader and is currently in the process of recording his debut album alongside some of Scotland’s most esteemed jazz musicians.