Eli Matthews

First Assistant Principal Second Violin
Patricia M. Kozerefski and
Richard J. Bogomolny Endowed Chair
The Cleveland Orchestra

Eli Matthews joined the first violin section of The Cleveland Orchestra in 1997. In fall 2008, he became First Assistant Principal Second Violin. Before coming to Cleveland, he performed in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Matthews initiated Cleveland Orchestra members’ participation in the pre-concert Musically Speaking chamber music series. He frequently participates in a variety of The Cleveland Orchestra’s education and community programs.

Eli Matthews studied with Dorothy DeLay at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. As a student, he soloed extensively and was awarded a Starling Foundation scholarship. Mr. Matthews and his wife, Renee, have five children. In his free time, he enjoys competing in professional billiard tournaments.