Matthew Cohen, Viola

Biography

American violist Matthew Cohen made his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 15 as a soloist in the New York premiere of Tomas Svoboda’s Sonata #2 for orchestra and solo string quartet.  He returned to Carnegie Hall in January to perform York Bowen’s Phantasy for viola and piano in Weill Recital Hall.  Recent accolades include 1st prize at the 2015 VIVO International Competition and special prizewinner at the 2014 Primrose International Viola Competition.  He has studied at the Juilliard School, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Colburn Conservatory and has performed as a soloist numerous times with ensembles such as the Colburn Orchestra, Oregon Sinfonietta, and Oregon Symphony/Oregon Ballet Theater.  He has performed chamber music with many distinguished artists including Arnold Steinhardt, Daniel Hope, Paul Coletti, Ronald Leonard, Clive Greensmith, Martin Beaver, Amit Peled, Sandra Rivers, and Joaquin Valdepeñas.  His recording of York Bowen’s Phantasy for viola and piano is available on the Soundset label.  He plays a viola by Helmuth Keller and bow by Paul Martin Siefried generously on loan from The Maestro Foundation and is a proud recipient of a Kovner Fellowship at the Juilliard School in the Master of Music program where he studies with Heidi Castleman and Cynthia Phelps.