Brianna Matzke
Piano
Dr. Brianna Matzke's dynamic pianism shows “a sense of refinement, flair, and technical prowess” (clevelandclassical.com). An avid performer and commissioner of new music, she has collaborated with many composers, including Tina Tallon, Marc Mellits, Michael Fiday, Elliot Cole, Molly Joyce, Alexandra du Bois, D. J. Sparr, Danny Clay, Jennifer Jolley, John Glover, and Evan Williams. She has appeared in concert at across the globe; recent appearances include concerts in Italy, Beirut, São Paulo, and in series such as TriBeCa New Music, Vanguard New Music Series, ETHOS New Music, Re:Sound Festival, neif-norf New Music Marathon, and the Accidental Music Festival. She has given multiple concerts with the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center, and has performed with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and the concert:nova chamber ensemble.
Often called upon for her vision and planning, Matzke is a widely-respected artistic director. As the Producing Artistic Director for the Cincinnati-based concert:nova new music ensemble, she oversees the production of five mainstage productions each season, as well as other community outreach and educational events. She is also the founder and artistic director of an ongoing and acclaimed commissioning initiative, called The Response Project, which asks composers to write music for piano in response to a pre-existing artwork or idea. The project has premiered and recorded dozens of new works, and often invites artists from other disciplines (such as film, painting, and poetry) to also create and present responses in large-scale community events.
Additionally, in 2021 Matzke was named CEO and President of the International Foundation for Contemporary Music, and appointed as Executive Director of the Cortona Sessions for New Music. Through these positions she works as an advocate for new music across the globe, leading an annual two-week long contemporary chamber music institute and assisting in the production of many projects, concerts, and recordings.
In addition to performance and leadership, Brianna is a dedicated music educator and pedagogue. A Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), she serves as Associate Professor of Music at Wilmington College. She has also served on the faculties of the Oberlin Conservatory, Interlochen Arts Camp, Thomas More College, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department. She is founder and President of the World Piano Teachers Association Ohio Chapter and maintains an active presence as a member of the Music Teachers National Association. She holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and the University of Kansas.
