Double Bassist Mat Heighway has Died, Aged 46

Heighway was a member of the Jersey Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and did outreach work for the charity Music in Action

The British double bassist Mat Heighway, who was a member of the Jersey Symphony Orchestra and the Jersey Chamber Orchestra, has passed away in unexpected circumstances at the age of 46.

Hailing originally from the UK, Heighway had a varied career encompassing work in the West End, in drama productions, and in various bands.

He was a prolific performer with the UK's Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing in more than forty productions as both a bassist and a singer — and as a recording artist on RSC discs. His credits for West End musicals included appearing on tour throughout the UK, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Italy.

Heighway also played with the Jersey Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, both of which are run by the charity Music in Action. He was particularly involved in the orchestra's outreach work, and played to more than 6,000 Jersey children — as well as performing for the elderly in local care homes.

In addition, Heighway played in folk, roots, and acoustic bands such as Pig Earth and The Time Stealers. He was also previously a member of the klezmer quartet Klezmer Kollektiv.

Our condolences to Heighway's family, friends, and colleagues.

"Mat was a cherished member of both the Jersey Chamber Orchestra and Jersey Symphony Orchestra," said the Music in Action charity in a statement. "His sudden death is a profound shock, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

"Mat was a hugely valued member of the Jersey orchestra," said Music in Action chair James Mews. "He was a rock at the heart of our outreach work with schools and the elderly. He always gave everything he had with a smile on his face."

"It seems surreal that it was only yesterday that he was texting friends in Jersey saying how much he was looking forward to coming and helping."

"We will dedicate our concert on Saturday to Mat. He will be sorely missed."