Doncaster pianist selected as judge for prestigious national music contest

A Doncaster-born classical pianist has landed the job of judge for a prestigious national music contest.

Matthew Schellhorn, who grew up in Hatfield, has been selected as one of the judges for the HMD Harmony contest, organised by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

The contest is inviting young musicians and composers to create original music for Holocaust Memorial Day.

He will join broadcaster, Chair of Jewish Music Institute and advocate for Holocaust remembrance Rob Rinder MBE, award winning performer, Principal and CEO of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Music, Alex Sobel MP to judge the competition.

They will be joined on the panel by Dr Linda Asquith, HMDT Trustee and musician, and Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, together bringing musical expertise with a deep understanding of Holocaust remembrance and the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day.

HMD Harmony is open to UK-based musicians and composers aged 18–25 and invites entrants to create an original piece inspired by the Holocaust Memorial Day 2027 theme, No Place for Prejudice.

Entries can be in any musical style or genre, from classical and contemporary to electronic, folk, jazz and pop.

The winning composition will become part of the UK National Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony on 27 January 2027, giving an emerging musician or group the opportunity to share their work as part of the nation's day of remembrance. The winner will also receive a £500 award to support the next stage of their musical journey.

The deadline for entries is Monday 9 November 2026. For further information about HMD Harmony visit hmd.org.uk.

Born in 1977, Matthew has been a leading performer for more than twenty years.

Now living in London, he regularly appears at major venues and festivals throughout the UK and has recorded numerous critically acclaimed albums.