Matthew Reffner is a student currently attending Shenandoah Conservatory and is studying cello performance under the instruction of Julian Schwarz. At Shenandoah Conservatory, Matthew has been principal of the Symphonic Orchestra and has performed works such as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major, Poulenc’s Piano Concerto in C# Minor, and Britten's A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As a versatile musician, he has also performed in the conservatory’s pit in works such as Into the Woods and Tuck Everlasting. Matthew most recently attended the Eastern Music Festival in the summer of 2023 and has also attended the Philadelphia International Music Festival. He has participated in masterclasses held by John Koen, Patrick Jee, Lluis Claret, Amit Peled, Shar Prescott, and Gloria dePasquale. Matthew is also a member of the cello section in the Northern Neck Orchestra, which he has now been a part of for nearly two years.