Matt Funes is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a violist. He was born on December 22, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, to a family of musicians. His father, a cellist, and his mother, a pianist, were both members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Growing up in a musical family, Funes was exposed to classical music from a young age and began playing the viola at the age of six. Funes attended the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where he studied with violist Paul Coletti. He later went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree. While at Juilliard, Funes studied with renowned violist Samuel Rhodes and was a member of the Juilliard String Quartet. After completing his studies, Funes began his professional career as a violist. He has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the San Francisco Symphony and the Seattle Symphony. Funes has received many awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2001, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show great potential for a solo career. He was also a recipient of the prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Trust Fellowship in 2005, which provides financial support and career guidance to exceptional young musicians. One of the highlights of Funes' career was his performance of the Walton Viola Concerto with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2003. The performance was conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen and was highly praised by critics. Funes' interpretation of the concerto was described as "soulful" and "passionate." In addition to his work as a performer, Funes is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at the Colburn School of Performing Arts and the University of Southern California. He is currently on the faculty of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he teaches viola and chamber music. Funes is also an active chamber musician and has performed with many of the world's leading chamber ensembles. He was a member of the Pacifica Quartet from 2006 to 2017 and has also performed with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Emerson String Quartet. Funes is known for his passionate and expressive playing style. He has been praised for his ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he performs. His recordings have received critical acclaim, and he has been praised for his "rich tone" and "sensitive phrasing." In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Funes is also a composer. He has written several works for viola, including a concerto that he premiered with the Santa Barbara Symphony in 2018. Overall, Matt Funes is a highly respected and accomplished classical music artist. His dedication to his craft and his passion for music have made him a beloved figure in the classical music world. His performances and recordings continue to inspire and move audiences around the world.

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