Matt Barwegen

Viola | Bourbonnais, IL

Matt Barwegen has been a violist with the Illinois Philharmonic and South Bend Symphony since 2009. A dedicated educator and performer, he currently serves on the faculty at the Music Connection Conservatory in Orland Park, IL, and South Suburban College.

Barwegen’s orchestral career is distinguished by two seasons as acting Associate Principal Violist with the Illinois Symphony. He has also performed with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and Elgin Symphony. An avid chamber musician, he has refined his craft under the mentorship of members from the Chicago String Quartet and the Concord String Quartet.

His private studio, established in 2013, has a track record of excellence; his students have consistently earned seats in All-State orchestras and the Chicago Youth Symphony, with many receiving collegiate music scholarships. Barwegen holds a Master’s in Viola Performance from Illinois State University, a Professional Studies degree from the San Francisco Conservatory, and a Performer’s Certificate from Lynn Conservatory. In addition to his musical credentials, he holds a B.A. in Psychology from Wheaton College