Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

Matthew Oltman is a renowned conductor, composer, and educator in the field of classical music. He was born on August 22, 1959, in San Francisco, California, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a professional trumpet player, and his mother was a pianist and music teacher. Oltman's early exposure to music sparked his interest in pursuing a career in the field. Oltman attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied composition and conducting. He later earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California. During his studies, Oltman was mentored by renowned conductors such as Robert Shaw and Helmuth Rilling, who greatly influenced his musical style and approach. After completing his studies, Oltman began his career as a conductor and composer. He served as the music director of the San Francisco Choral Society from 1986 to 1992, where he conducted numerous performances of major choral works such as Handel's Messiah and Bach's St. Matthew Passion. He also founded the Pacific Mozart Ensemble in 1980, a vocal ensemble that specializes in contemporary and experimental music. Under Oltman's leadership, the ensemble has gained international recognition for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. Oltman's career highlights include conducting the world premiere of John Adams' opera "The Death of Klinghoffer" at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 1991. He also conducted the San Francisco Symphony Chorus in performances of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Mahler's Eighth Symphony, both of which received critical acclaim. In addition, Oltman has collaborated with numerous renowned composers, including Philip Glass, Terry Riley, and Meredith Monk, and has conducted premieres of their works. Oltman's contributions to the field of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1992, he received the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes innovative programming in contemporary music. He was also awarded the Louis Botto Award for Innovative Action and Entrepreneurial Zeal by Chorus America in 2009. In addition, Oltman has been a guest conductor and lecturer at numerous universities and music festivals, including the Tanglewood Music Center and the Aspen Music Festival. Aside from his work as a conductor and composer, Oltman is also a dedicated educator. He has served as a professor of music at the University of California, Berkeley, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he has taught courses in conducting, composition, and choral music. He has also conducted masterclasses and workshops for choral groups and conductors around the world. In recent years, Oltman has continued to push the boundaries of classical music with his innovative programming and collaborations. He has worked with a diverse range of artists, including jazz pianist Chick Corea and hip-hop artist Common, to create new and exciting musical experiences. He has also continued to compose and arrange music for vocal ensembles, including his own Pacific Mozart Ensemble. In conclusion, Matthew Oltman is a highly respected figure in the world of classical music, known for his innovative programming, virtuosic conducting, and dedication to education.

More....