The Flowering Branch

Christopher Bowen and Matthew Marshall

This beautiful new album features songs for tenor and classical guitar written by New Zealanders Dennis Glover, Douglas Lilburn, Charles Causley, Stephen McNeff, Iain Lonie, Bernadette Hall, Anthony Ritchie, William Shakespeare, Malcolm Williamson, Owen Marshall, and Louise E. Matthews.

The genesis dates back to 2010, when Christopher and Matthew first teamed up to perform concerts together. However, as they live at opposite ends of the globe, it took fifteen years before this recording could be realised. The Flowering Branch is the result of an intensive period of work by these two outstanding artists to bring new and rarely heard music to the world.

Produced by Kenneth Young
Recorded by Thom O’Connor at Orange Studios, Christchurch (NZ), 28-30 June 2025
Edited by Steve Garden and Kenneth Young
Mixed by Steve Garden
Mastered by Luan Meeker at Parachute Studios, Auckland
Programme notes by Christopher Bowen and Matthew Marshall
Photograph of Christopher by Rosalind Hobley
Photograph of Matthew by Laura McCone
Designed by UnkleFranc
Printing by Studio Q

Released: 12 November 2026
Catalogue: RAT-D172

CHRISTOPHER BOWEN

Born Christchurch (NZ), Christopher studied singing at Otago University. He has performed a broad array of music, and has a strong commitment to new music, particularly in his work with the BBC Singers and groups such as The Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, Theatre of Voices and the Hebrides Ensemble.

Christopher also works with notable early music ensembles including 'I Fagiolini' and 'The Academy of Ancient Music'. Recent performances have included Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with the Academy of Ancient Music and John Passion in Auckland. French baroque appearances include Couperin Petit Motets with the Instruments of Time and Truth and Rameau’s In Contvertendo with the Academy of Ancient Music.

For more information, click HERE

MATTHEW MARSHALL

Described as “…a guitarist of superb technical accomplishment and a musician of perception and style”, Matthew Marshall is one of New Zealand’s leading classical guitarists.

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Matthew has brought his unique interpretations and original musical personality to over 2000 performances on four continents. He is passionate about contemporary music, especially by New Zealand composers, and has commissioned or premiered more than 50 solo, chamber and orchestral works for guitar.

For more information, click HERE