Matt Papanek to perform at the Norfolk Library

By Joel Howard

Sounding the right note: Matt Papanek will perform his own compositions at the Norfolk Library this month.

Fresh from several hours of in-studio recording, Matt Papanek rushed into the Norfolk Library on a recent afternoon. Excited to have the rough cuts wrapped up for his soon-to-be-released CD, he was ready to get to work at one of his three jobs. Aside from the library, Matt, 22, also works for both a local architect and an area cabinet maker. His passion, however, is music. To that end, he has not only served as pianist but also as songwriter and vocalist for his upcoming debut compilation. “I’ve been busy,” he says, with a grin. Growing up in Norfolk, Matt’s life has centered on music, with piano being a part of his life since he was nine. He also dabbles with the guitar, even though the loss of a fingertip this past spring briefly threatened his abilities with both instruments. Beginning at age eight and continuing for four years, locally-based Chorus Angelicus helped train Matt in technique and music theory. Soon after, he spent two years attending the Hartt School in West Hartford, Conn., while being home-schooled. His mother, Peg, was at one time in a band herself, and has always encouraged her son to express himself through music. Together with her son, she took voice lessons with a gospel singer when he was just eight years old. Matt’s recent voice work with local resident, Katherine Griswold, has helped fine tune and focus his singing abilities. Preparing for his December 6 concert to be held at the library, Matt also finds time to play with a local band, The Bards of Balance. In fact, the day he was interviewed for this article, he had an evening band performance scheduled at the Torrington campus of the University of Connecticut. From his early influences of Elton John and Billy Joel, Matt has recently been drawn to the music of Coldplay and the Fray. Practicing the music of these artists, he says, has helped in his development, leading most recently to a burst of creativity. “I finished two songs very quickly in early July. From that time ‘til now, I’ve managed to compose all 11 songs for my CD.” These songs will comprise the repertoire for this month’s library concert. He hopes to have his packaged CD, tentatively titled ‘Subject to Change’, ready for the concert. If not, he’s targeting a date before Christmas. Like the music he loves, Matt’s life is nothing if not fluid. “In the past there was a time where I thought I wanted a career in architecture,” he says. “ Right now I love music. I’ve found myself with opportunities and learned that I can choose to follow each one or not. We’ll see.” Matt Papanek’s concert will be on Sunday, December 6 at 5 p.m. in the Norfolk Library.