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Musician Profile - Matthew Phillips
What is your hometown?
Buffalo, NY
How long have you been with the BPO?
Since the '97-'98 season
What is your favorite part of being a member of the BPO?
Collaborating with excellent soloists
What is your favorite piece of music?
There are too many to choose a favorite
What other orchestras have you performed with?
Detroit Symphony
Do you play any other instruments?
Violin, but started on the viola
What do you like to do in your free time?
Watch movies, run
What is your favorite movie?
Deer Hunter and Dodgeball
What is your favorite TV show?
On the Record with Greta Van Susteren
What is your favorite restaurant?
Left Bank
Biography
Violist Matthew Phillips has played with the Buffalo Philharmonic since the 1997-98 season. Growing up in Buffalo, he studied with Louis Baroudi of Tonawanda and Charles Joseph of Fredonia.
He received his Bachelors of Music in viola performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Masters in viola performance from the New England Conservatory, studying with Robert Vernon and Walter Trampler respectively. In 1992, Mr. Phillips was a finalist in the William Primrose International Viola Competition, has won the National Federation of Music Clubs award, and in 2002 was a featured soloist with the BPO in a locally televised performance of Paul Hinemith's Trauermusik in commemoration of the 1st anniversary of September 11th.
He has also substituted with the Detroit Symphony, playing at their summer and winter homes and was invited to join them on tours of Florida and Europe.
Mr. Phillips is also an avid runner, enjoying racing in distances from the mile to the marathon. He has qualified twice for the Boston Marathon. In 2007 he was the 2nd place age group winner in the Buffalo News Runner of the Year race series, and was voted the Checkers Athletic Club "Rookie of the Year".
Mr. Phillips is married to Rachel Kregal whom he first met while they were both students playing in the Greater Buffalo Youth Orchestra.
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