Hello! My name is Matthew Zhou and I am a senior violist at Sharon High School in Sharon, MA. Music has played such an important role in my life, both on and off the stage. The music community has given me a place to grow and develop. I know that the friendships I have formed will last a lifetime. There is truly nothing more beautiful than spending time with other musicians playing or discussing music.


From 2014: A concert with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras at Symphony Hall in Boston.


Currently, I am Principal Violist of the Boston Youth Symphony, where I led in sold out opera productions of Aida, La Bohème, and The Magic Flute in a collaboration concert with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I am also Associate Principal Violist in the tuition-free Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, appearing in the orchestra’s professional recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 9. With this group, I toured Brazil and Europe, performing at the Vienna Musikverein, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, and Sala São Paulo, and will be touring South Africa this June. I was also selected as a member of Music for All’s Honor Orchestra of America in the spring of 2019.


Aida Curtain Call, Boston Youth Symphony
January 26, 2020 at Sanders Theatre


After years of trying, I was recently accepted into the Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Young Artists Orchestra (BUTI YAO). It’s been the biggest dream come true for me. I will have the opportunity to spend six weeks on the beautiful Tanglewood campus in Lenox, MA. There, I will play in one of the finest summer youth orchestras in the world, while having the opportunity to take private lessons with some of the best music faculty in the industry. As a senior, I plan on entering college this fall, meaning these six weeks at Tanglewood would be my last opportunity to immerse myself around other musicians for over a month. Although I intend to play my viola as much as I do now, when college begins, I will have to spend more time on career-oriented programs and will not have the ability to be in an environment where I am constantly surrounded by music. My summer at Tanglewood will create musical memories that I will cherish for my entire lifetime.


With the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
June 26, 2018 at Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam


Unfortunately, however, I cannot afford the high cost of BUTI’s tuition. With your contribution, I would be able to attend this program. Ever since I began taking music seriously at the age of six, it’s been a dream of mine to play in BUTI’s Young Artists Orchestra. Thank you for helping make my dream come true!


From August 2012: the oldest photo I have of myself playing!


Here are some of my recent recordings:

Walton Viola Concerto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqlQiSuuOOE
Bach Cello Suite 1 Allemande: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm37ari3EPI