Matthew J. Olson is Artistic & Managing Director of Bach Roots Festival (formerly Oratory), Director of Choral Activities at Carleton College, and Assistant Conductor of The Singers – MN Choral Artists. The Star Tribune called performances of Bach’s B Minor Mass with Bach Roots Festival “masterful” and of St. John Passion, they praised the “many strands of excellence…that came together in a gripping realization.” Recently, he guest conducted The Singers in performances of Joby Talbot’s 17-voice choral symphony, Path of Miracles. He also served as chorusmaster for The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra’s production of Bach’s St. John Passion for which the chorus was praised for being “scrupulously prepared” in a performance that was “one of the most satisfying you could ever hope to hear.” (Star Tribune)

 

Matthew's studies of Bach began with Helmuth Rilling first as a chorister in the Carnegie Hall Festival Chorus, and then as a conducting student at the Oregon Bach Festival. Additional Baroque studies include rehearsal observations with Ton Koopman, Paul McCreesh, Jonathan Cohen, Janette Sorrell, and Bernard Labadie. 

 

As a conductor rooted in Baroque and Classical repertoire, he is also passionate about exploring the bounds between classical and popular music. Recent concerts included Sojorn featuring music of indie-rocker composer Kjartan Sveinsson of Sigur Ros fame, performances with bluegrass band Monroe Crossing and songwriter Carrie Newcomer, and Minnesota Public Radio’s Work for Words live at the Fitzgerald Theater with Chris Koza and members of the Doomtree hip hop collective. 

 

As a choral composer and arranger, his works (published by Colla Voce & Santa Barbara) receive increasing performances throughout the U.S. and abroad. 

 

As a choral singer, Matthew has performed and recorded with ensembles including The St. Olaf Choir, The Carnegie Hall Festival Chorus, The Singers, Dale Warland and the Minnesota Beethoven Festival Chorale, The Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s (NYC). 

 

As an arts administrator, Matthew worked formerly for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra first as an intern in Development, and then as personal assistant to then President, Bruce Coppock. 

 

Matthew studied choral and orchestral conducting at St. Olaf College, The Oregon Bach Festival, Michigan State University, The Canford Conducting School (U.K.), and The University of Minnesota.