Matthew Schwarz is a Brisbane-based conductor and arts administrator with a passion for music-making and the effect it can have on the community.

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Known for his energy and enthusiasm, Matthew was appointed Musical Director of the Brisbane Concert Orchestra, Queensland's longest serving community orchestra at only twenty-one years of age in 2015. Since then, Matthew has guided the orchestra in sold-out performances of classical and pops repertoire at a variety of venues across Brisbane.

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Matthew graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, studying under Dr. Josephine Jin. During this time, he observed and was mentored by conductors such as John Curro, Guy Noble, Dr. Peter Morris, and Johannes Fritzsch as part of an internship with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

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In 2017, Matthew conducted a performance of the Beethoven Violin Concerto to raise funds for beyondblue with the Concertmaster of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Warwick Adeney as soloist.
 
Matthew is a graduate of the Queensland Leaders, Future Leaders program and previously served as Chief Conductor and President of the Queensland Philharmonia Orchestra which he formed with fellow students of the Queensland Conservatorium. During his tenure with QPO, Matthew conducted a diverse repertoire such as Mahler's 'Titan' Symphony No. 1, a ballet season with QUT, and multiple commissioned works by Australian composers.