Matthew Rohde

The Utah Classical Guitar Society recently arranged for Matthew Rohde to travel to Utah from his home in New York City for a slew of performances, master classes and workshops for young children. He also stopped by our studios for a short concert and some conversation.  In this episode Steven Kapp Perry chats with Matthew about his international travels, the power of music to bring joy to people in difficult circumstances and highlights from his recent US State Department sponsored trip to Ecuador.   Matthew Rohde was invited to perform at an address delivered by President Hu Jin Tao of China during his historic visit to the United States, and in 2009 he was the only American to advance to the semi-final round of the Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition, arguably the most prestigious event of its kind in the world.  Matthew completed his studies at Yale College, the Yale School of Music, the Conservatoire Nationale de Musique et Danse in Paris, and the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy. Matthew also holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Sciences Po, in France. He is conversant in French, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic. He plays a 2003 Greg Smallman & Sons guitar. Follow Highway 89 on twitter @byuH89