Matthew Dane is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a violist, chamber musician, and teacher. Born in 1971 in New York City, he grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. His father was a professional cellist, and his mother was a pianist and music teacher. Dane began playing the viola at the age of 10 and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied with several renowned teachers, including Karen Tuttle, Michael Tree, and Pinchas Zukerman. He also attended the Juilliard School, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master of Music degree. Throughout his career, Dane has performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and chamber ensembles. He has been a member of the Pacifica Quartet, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with many other musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Joshua Bell. One of the highlights of Dane's career was his performance of the Bartok Viola Concerto with the New York Philharmonic in 2003. The performance was widely praised by critics, who noted Dane's virtuosity and musicality. He has also performed as a soloist with many other orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to his work as a performer, Dane is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Michigan, the University of Illinois, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is currently a professor of viola at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Dane has received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1997, he won the prestigious Naumburg Viola Competition, which is awarded to outstanding young musicians. He has also been a recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to exceptional musicians who are at the beginning of their careers. Dane is known for his passionate and expressive playing, as well as his dedication to the art of chamber music. He has recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of the complete Brahms Viola Sonatas with pianist Robert Koenig. He has also performed at many music festivals, including the Marlboro Music Festival, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, and the Ravinia Festival. In addition to his work as a classical musician, Dane is also interested in other genres of music. He has collaborated with jazz musicians, including saxophonist Branford Marsalis and pianist Fred Hersch. He has also performed with the rock band Pearl Jam, and was featured on their album "Backspacer." Overall, Matthew Dane is a versatile and accomplished musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His passion for the viola and his dedication to his craft have earned him a reputation as one of the finest musicians of his generation.

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