Born and raised in Adelaide, Mattea began her musical journey at the age of seven. She completed a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide, under the tutelage of Keith Crellin OAM and Stephen King. A particular highlight for Mattea was her concerto debut with the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, performing William Walton’s Viola Concerto. Mattea was the recipient of the Varley Scholarship and Exhibition, The Gustav Reimers Prize and the Athol Lykke Scholarship.
In 2023, Mattea commenced her Masters at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney, supported by the Corinna D’hage Mayer String Scholarship under the guidance of Roger Benedict. She graduated in 2024 whilst simultaneously commencing her first year of studies at ANAM.
Throughout her studies, Mattea has experienced musically enriching opportunities, including masterclasses with Christopher Cartlidge, Matthew Jones, Ting-Ru Lai, and Carla Maria Rodrigues.
Mattea attended the 2023 Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville with the ARMA String Quartet, receiving masterclasses from internationally acclaimed musicians including Timothy Ridout, Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux, and Thomas Carroll.
A keen orchestral player, Mattea has enjoyed opportunities at ANAM to perform alongside Auckland Philharmonia, Tasmanian and West Australian Symphony Orchestras and currently performs casually with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Mattea has participated in the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) National Music Camp season programs and joined the AYO International Tour 2025.
Mattea looks forward to her third year at ANAM, studying with Caroline Henbest. In 2025, she was awarded ANAM’s Music Matinee Curation Prize and Engagement Award for Creative Concepts and Writing.
Mattea is currently working on curating independent concerts that focus on conceptual themes and fusing multiple art forms. She particularly enjoys experimenting with composing and performing music for the singing violist.
Outside of music, Mattea explores other creative pursuits such as painting and embroidery and finds solace in nature walks along South Australia’s coast with her dog.
FROM: SA. Lands of the Kaurna people.
Mattea is supported by ANAM Syndicate donors Mary-Anne Carmody, Jerry Koliha and Marlene Krelle, Mick and Margaret Toller, Dianne Vale, Anonymous.
Mattea plays a Douglas Coghill viola, purchased with the generous assistance of the Lesley McMullin Viola Fund.
Photo by Pia Johnson
