Dr. Matthew Taylor

Biography

Matthew Evan Taylor is a composer and multi-instrumentalist known for his innovative approach to music. He has been described as a 'risk taker' by Neil De La Flor in the Huffington Post, highlighting his ability to challenge societal norms through his artistry. His compositions strive to engage audiences on a deeper level, blending elements of concert and chamber music with contemporary themes. Notable works include 'okussa: Damascus' (2023) for string orchestra, commissioned by the Festival Emerging Artists, and 'Get' (2022) for alto saxophone and piano, commissioned by Timothy McAllister. Taylor also gained recognition for his online streaming projects, notably 'Postcards Met' (2021-2022) which was commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and reached over 500,000 views. His acclaimed series 'Unheard Mixtapes' (2020-2021), produced in collaboration with Metropolis Ensemble and New Amsterdam Records, showcased his creative improvisational style. Recently, he has introduced the concept of 'AfroPnuemaism', a liberatory practice that emphasizes the human breath as a primary structural element in music, aiming to celebrate the humanity of both performers and audiences. He is set to release his LP 'Life Returns', recorded live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2022.

Research Interests