ABOUT MATTHEW

Matthew Madonia, Houston based, rising virtuoso, is a sought-after orchestral violinist, chamber musician, and recitalist. He is known for his “inspiring” and “partnership-oriented” style built on an “intense and emotional” fidelity to musicality and accessibility. Madonias attractive programming and commitment to the connection between audience and music make his concerts unique and uplifting. 

Praised for his “captivating natural virtuosity,” Madonia performs with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra.  Currently, he is Director of Orchestras at Stephen F. Austin High School in Sugar Land Texas.  He is both founder and artistic director of Sounds of One Chamber Orchestra, and performs as violinist with the piano trio, Trio Allora.

Madonia made his concert debut with the Notre Dame Symphony Orchestra. Since then he has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in locations such as Italy, Germany, and Carnegie (Weill) Hall. In Houston, he is in demand as a freelance violinist, participating in the tours of various artists, which include Il Divo, Sarah Brightman, Michael Bolton, and Josh Groban. Madonia is known for his “charisma” as a solo recitalist. His recent recitals raised funds from $15,000 to $60,000 for causes such as inner city Catholic Schools, American Cancer Society and his own Respect Life Recital. At the end of 2019, his performance launched the newly initiated home recital program for the HoneyPointe Concert Series in Fairhope, Alabama. 

A Michuda Music Scholar and graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Madonia was chosen as concertmaster for the Notre Dame Symphony and Notre Dame Opera Symphony. He received a Master of Music degree at the University of Louisville, where he was awarded a teaching assistantship, was a member of the Graduate String Quartet and associate concertmaster of University of Louisville Symphony Orchestra. He began his doctoral studies at the University of Alabama, where he served as concertmaster of the Huxford Symphony Orchestra and performed with the Capstone String Quartet. 

Madonia’s time in Houston began in 2015 where he continued his doctoral studies under the direction of Andrzej Grabiec, and performed as concertmaster of the Moores School of Music Symphony Orchestra and the Moores Opera Symphony. Madonia also performed with AURA, the University of Houston’s premier contemporary music ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Robert Smith. 

Madonia is an accomplished liturgical musician, with extensive experience as a violinist, vocalist, and conductor. He was awarded a minor in theology and liturgical music under the direction of Rev. Michael S. Driscoll, Ph.D., founding director of Notre Dame’s Master of Sacred Music program and Mr. Steve C. Warner, Director Emeritus, Notre Dame Folk Choir. Madonia, who is a tenor, studied voice with lyric soprano Linda Zoghby. He was featured on Nomad Productions ST. DOMINIC CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA CD, Randy Bolden, Director of Music and GLORIA DEI CHORALE CD. He has been praised for his natural leadership, his improvisational skill, and his knowledge of the Sacred Liturgy. 

In addition to his classical repertory, Madonia has been introduced to the world of popular music as guest performer with country music artist Clay Walker at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Biloxi Mississippi. He also collaborated with Fr. Leo Patalinghug, award- winning chef, and TV/Radio host of ‘Grace Before Meals.” Most recently, Madonia played with Roman Street on their newest album “Balcony of the World.”