A PIONEER of Chester’s artistic scene and an active member of his local community has been nominated to carry the London 2012 Olympic torch.

Matt Baker, artistic director of Theatre in the Quarter, musical director of the women’s choir A Handbag of Harmonies and co-chairman of the Garden Quarter Residents’ and Traders’ Community Association, has been nominated by members of the public who believe he most deserves to carry the flame as it tours the UK next year.

In this year alone, Matt has directed The Creation, a Chester Mystery Plays in Miniature production, at the amphitheatre, involving local schools, actors, dancers, a community choir and university students.

He also composed work for Carpe Diem, with Blacon children, at Chester Cathedral, led the Big Sing! – a celebration of choirs in the city centre – marched with his choir’s giant in the Chester Carnival of Giants and composed works for theatres up and down the country.

His work with the residents’ association helps to promote community spirit in an area which faces many challenges with its large student population.

Matt set up Theatre in the Quarter in 2005 to produce quality professional productions involving the community and his shows have sold out in venues throughout Cheshire.

His choir A Handbag of Harmonies celebrated its 10th anniversary last year with a sell-out concert in Chester’s Town Hall, which followed a bout of TV stardom in 2008 when they reached the top 15 choirs on the BBC talent show Last Choir Standing.

In 2003 and 2008 Matt was composer and musical director of the Chester Mystery Plays.

The former Bishops’ Bluecoat High School pupil said: “It is a real honour to be put forward for such a great prize and I would be very proud to be an ambassador for Chester’s vibrant artistic community.”

See page 37 for your chance to nominate someone to be a torchbearer in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.