MATTHEW
NELSON

VIOLA

Matthew John Nelson, a seasoned violinist and violist with over four decades of experience, began playing the violin at age seven. He co-founded the Maywood String Ensemble, originally formed as the Maywood String Quartet in 2000, alongside his brother Steven Sharp Nelson, Everett Petersen, and Steven's wife, Julie Nelson. Inspired by his father, John Nelson, who was both a mentor and the Quartet’s first coach, Matthew added the viola to his skillset at thirteen, a choice that shaped his versatile career in chamber music.

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Throughout his life, Matthew studied with esteemed teachers, including Linda Clark and Utah Symphony members Jack Ashton, Lynette Stewart, David Park, and Ralph Matson. His orchestral experience includes performances with the Four Matas, West Valley Symphony, YACP, Utah Philharmonia, and Bountiful Philharmonia, with a highlight as concertmaster of the University of Utah Symphony in 2005 under Robert Baldwin.

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Today, as the booking manager for the Maywood String Ensemble, Matthew is dedicated to making every wedding and event unforgettable. Recently, he expanded the ensemble to include additional string players, a harpist, and a pianist, providing clients with enhanced musical options. When not performing, he enjoys pickleball, tennis, and capturing the beauty of Utah’s sunsets through photography. Matthew resides in Bountiful, Utah, with his wife, Kelli, and their four children.