Matthew Kaminski studies music composition at Chapman University in Southern California and writes music for orchestra, small ensembles, wind ensemble, and vocalists. He is a ten time first place winner for the state of Oregon through MTNA and NFMC, and has been a national finalist three times in the US. His music has been described as extremely evocative with large amounts of imagery and emotion, and covers the genres of contemporary instrumental to electronic. For the last six years, Matthew has been a member of Cascadia Composers, chapter of NACUSA, and YCP through fEar No Music.
Before having his music performed from coast to coast, Matthew suffered from a concussion that put him out of school for ten months because of a chronic headache. This period away from school provided the time to delve deeply into music, specifically composing. More information about Matthew’s journey as a composer can be found at On Deck with All Classical Portland.
In 2018, Matthew conducted the premiere of Nostalgia for the MHS Wind Ensemble and participated in the Walden School Young Musicians Program (NH) where he composed and performed Letters Home along with professional musicians. In 2019, Matthew attended the Brevard Music Center Summer Institute (NC) where he wrote Hidden Voices, which he later conducted the premiere of at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. This year, Matthew also released his debut album, “Stratosphere”, on Spotify & Apple Music.
In the News
“…Kaminski has proven himself a local composer worth paying attention to. He’s one of several young composers to come through Fear No Music’s Young Composers Project, and has distinguished himself on several Cascadia Composers concerts… Got your doubts about local living composers? Go listen to Kaminski and hear the future for yourself.”
by MATTHEW NEIL ANDREWS , Oregon ArtsWatch, MusicWatch Monthly: A harvest feast
Reviews
“You really “paint the picture” well in this composition. …Your piece would make for a terrific soundtrack! …can’t wait for the “sequel”!”
Dr. Arthur Houle, Professor of Music & Director of Keyboard Studies, Colorado Mesa University
“Very nice romantic era dramatism! I love the sound you create! …I love your virtuosic handling of the piano line! Very classic. You also do a great job of passing motives around to different instruments.”
Katie Myler, Orchestras and Ensembles Coordinator, Community Music School of Webster University
“You show a real flair in writing for a chamber ensemble.”
Dr. Randy Earles, Idaho State University
“This is full of so much creativity and exuberance – really a pleasure to see and hear.”
Kenji Bunch, Artistic Director of FearNoMusic
“You captured your subject matter in an eclectic and creative way and turned out a polished a captivating work.”
Nicholas Yandell, Cascadia Composers
“It reminds me of film music… Your compositional understanding and writing talent is prodigious for your age.”
Gina Pruitt, Reed College
“This is an outstanding piece, full of color and light… This is truly an artistic musical painting…”
Jan Mittelsteadt, music teacher and composer, Cascadia Composers
“Very interesting piece and extra musical concept… I could almost picture this piece working with film or dance to go with it.”
Paul Safar, composer, performer and piano teacher, Cascadia Composers