Prof. Matt Andreini

Percussionist Matt Andreini is a native Iowan and currently teaches at the University of Northern Iowa.  At the university, he co-directs a new music initiative for his percussion students, providing students an opportunity to interact directly with composers and participate in the collaborative process.  In its third year, the initiative has sponsored and premiered new works by influential contemporary percussion composers such as Michael Burritt, Kevin Bobo, and Gene Koshinski as well as emerging artists.

In 2006, Andreini pursued studies at the University of Debrecen in eastern Hungary.  At that time, he became interested in the repertoire of Hungarian percussion works which, due to cultural and linguistic barriers, are often widely unknown outside its borders.  In 2012, he began to collaborate with Hungarian percussionist Gabor Palotas, forming the “Iowa/Hungary Project.” This unique duo specializes in the performance of contemporary percussion works by Iowan and Hungarian composers, aiming to broaden listeners’ familiarity of percussion music from their native homes.  Since the project’s inception in 2012, members of the duo have jointly commissioned and premiered more than 50 works, creating a unique opportunity for cultural exchange.

Andreini maintains an active performance schedule, performing a wide variety of genres with numerous ensembles.  In addition to his regular performing schedule, he is frequently a featured soloist with ensembles and has performed multiple international tours throughout Europe, Central, and South America.  As a chamber musician, Matthew has recently shared the stage with groups such as the Boston Brass and the Enso String Quartet.