Matthew Phelps

Matthew Phelps is in his third season as the Artistic Director of Collegium Cincinnati.  He is also the Minister of Music at West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN and the principal conductor of the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra. At Collegium Cincinnati, he leads a professional choral and instrumental ensemble known for early and new music performances, including an annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, considered the beginning of Cincinnati’s Christmas concert season. Phelps’ performances have been described as “Clear and joyous…inspired…superbly prepared” (Janelle Gelfand, Cincinnati Business Courier), “beautifully prepared” (Mary Ellen Hutton, Cincinnati Post), “beautifully shaped” (David Katz, Chief Judge of the American Prize), and “moving and deeply meaningful.” (Walter Bitner, On the Podium)

At West End, he conducts the Chancel Choir, performs major concerts with orchestra, and leads a comprehensive program that includes two adult choirs, four choirs for children and youth, and two handell choirs. For 8 seasons he was the founder and artistic director of the professional chamber choir Vocal Arts Nashville and led the group in performances through the middle TN region, including a debut recording: O Love, the Music of Elaine Hagenberg. He has had regular conducting engagements with the Nashville Concerto Orchestra, the Mozart Birthday Festival Orchestra, and the Nashville Ballet. He has also served on the faculties of Vanderbilt University, Lipscomb University, and Xavier University. 

Phelps received his degrees in conducting from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, where he studied with Earl Rivers, Brett Scott and Mark Gibson. He has the rare distinction of winning awards in three separate disciplines (piano, organ, and conducting), including the 2015 American Prize in Choral Conducting.