Matthew Cohen

viola

Ukrainian American violist Matthew Cohen is a dynamic and versatile artist whose captivating performances have made him one of the most sought-after violists of his generation. He was a special prize winner at the prestigious Primrose International Viola Competition, and he also garnered top prizes at the Citta di Cremona International Viola Competition, Vivo International Music Competition, and the Art of Duo International Competition. Particularly interested in advocating for the viola as a unique voice, he has concertized as a soloist with orchestras such as the Gstaad Festival Orchestra, I Virtuosi Italiani, The Juilliard Orchestra, Symphony in C, the North Shore Symphony Orchestra, the Colburn Orchestra, and the Oregon Sinfonietta, and he gave the world premiere of internationally-recognized video game score composer Garry Schyman’s viola concerto “Zingaro” with the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony.

Mr. Cohen’s recent engagements include performances at Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Taipei’s National Concert Hall, and recitals in Memphis, Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, and Vancouver. Upcoming projects include recording Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante with the Edmonton Chamber Orchestra and a viola and piano album on the Centaur label titled Viola Americana featuring works by American composers as well as composers who emigrated to America.

A passionate chamber musician, Mr. Cohen is a member of the Formosa Quartet and the Li-Cohen Duo, and he is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Opus 71 Concerts, a multidisciplinary concert series near New York’s Lincoln Center. For more information, visit cohenviola.com.