Born and raised in Adelaide, Mattea began her musical journey at the age of seven. Mattea graduated from the Elder Conservatorium with a Bachelor of Music with first class Honours in 2022, under the tutelage of Keith Crellin OAM and Stephen King. A particular highlight includes her concerto debut with the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, performing the Walton Viola Concerto. She 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, 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 working alongside the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Western Australian Symphony Orchestra whilst at ANAM, and currently performs casually with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. Mattea has participated in the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) National Music Camp and season programs, and is especially looking forward to their 2025 international tour.
Mattea is excited to be in second year at ANAM, studying with Caroline Henbest. Her current projects with the viola include 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 Jerry Koliha and Marlene Krelle, Anonymous.
Mattea plays a Douglas Coughill viola, purchased with the generous assistance of the Lesley McMullin Viola Fund.
Photo by Pia Johnson