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Jersey's music community has paid tribute to a beloved bass player and "a true friend of Jersey" who passed away unexpectedly while travelling to the island to play in a concert.
Mat Heighway was a member of the Jersey Chamber Orchestra and Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
The 46-year-old tragically passed away in "unexpected circumstances" yesterday while travelling to the island to play in a concert.
Pictured: Mat was a member of both the Jersey Chamber Orchestra and Jersey Symphony Orchestra. (Music in Action)
Mat worked as a professional bass player. He had been travelling to Jersey for 17 years and performed in over 50 concerts in the island.
He was described as "a rock" of outreach work in schools and care homes.
In a statement released this morning, local charity Music in Action said: "Mat was a cherished member of both the Jersey Chamber Orchestra and Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
"His sudden death is a profound shock, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Music in Action chair James Mews described how Mat had loved coming to Jersey.
He was the first to encourage orchestra colleagues to go for a meal or to the pub and welcomed new members "with a smile", said James.
Mat was renowned for "putting himself on the line and going beyond his comfort zone because he believed in the power of music for good".
The bass player gave educational concerts to over 6,000 Jersey children, and also performed in concerts in local care homes.
James described Mat as "the most fantastic double bass player".
He added: "Mat was a hugely valued member of the Jersey orchestra.
"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."
Pictured: Mat was travelling to the island to play with the Jersey Chamber Orchestra when he passed away. (Music in Action)
James added: "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.”
Music in Action confirmed that the concert on Saturday would go ahead in honour of Mat's life.
The event is due to feature music that Mat played in Jersey through his career – including the William Tell Overture, Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 4, and music from 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'.
Tickets are available on Music in Action's website.
Messages of condolence for Mat's family can be sent to info@musicinjersey.com or to 01534 767547.
Pictured top: Mat with the Jersey Chamber Orchestra. (Music in Action)
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