Like mother, like son. Limelight chats to Emma and Brendan Matthews ahead of his appearance in Schools Spec.

Brendan Matthews, 12 – the youngest son of Australian soprano Emma Matthews – has been selected as one of 44 solo singers participating in the annual Schools Spectacular concert held in November. We spoke to a proud mum before talking to Brendan himself. 

Soprano Emma Matthews. Photo: Carolyn Mackay Clark.

What was your first reaction when you found out Brendan was going to be a featured singer in Schools Spec?

I squealed and jumped up and down. We were all so so delighted for him. He’s worked hard and is very excited. We are super proud.

Have you been working with him on technique, auditions, or performances?

Brendan sings in a very natural way. Every now and then I might suggest a different vowel, or give him a few more performance ideas, but he’s really finding his own way. There’s nothing to fix, he has a natural technique, and I don’t want to mess with it. Brendan’s dad, Stephen Matthews, was a treble when he was a boy and had a long career with...