Matthew Coley 

Cimbalom

Matthew Coley is an internationally acclaimed soloist and chamber musician, and the founder and executive/co-artistic director of Heartland Marimba. He is also the executive director and curator at the Center for Mallet Percussion Research at Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA. Matthew travels regularly bringing the beauty of the marimba's singing wood and the diverse timbre of other percussion, hammered dulcimer/cimbalom, and glass instruments to many audiences. He has performed in over 40 US states, 10 countries, and as a soloist with organizations throughout the US and abroad including the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, HBO/Giant Spoon’s Game of Thrones Experience at South by Southwest, Cedar Valley Chamber Music Festival, University of Denver Percussion Ensemble, Sudar Percussion of Croatia, San Francisco Sinfonietta, Kurpfalzisches Kammerorchester Mannheim, and the Moldavian Philharmonic and Teleradio Symphony Orchestras.

Matthew’s work with Heartland Marimba (including the HM Quartet, Ensemble, Festivals, and Publications) has brought the marimba art form in front of audiences in more than 50 cities with 250 concerts for audiences of all kinds, including thousands of children. Additionally, HM's continual work with virtual content during 2020-2021 has led them to release 19 different remotely recorded videos of chamber works. Matthew has several critically acclaimed albums available. Between the Lines (2015) was released on the New Focus Recordings label, and Circularity (2010), Souvenirs (2012), Heartland Marimba Dances (2016), and Vision (2019 – HMQ’s album) are available through HMPublications and for download and streaming everywhere. He has performed as a soloist at five Percussive Arts Society International Conventions, and in numerous universities, institutions, and concert halls across the nation. Matthew has won several prizes from national and international competitions and holds percussion performance degrees from Northwestern University (DM and MM) and the University of North Texas (BM). He is a signature artist with JG Percussion and Beetle Percussion. Matthew’s signature marimba mallet line and HM slap mallets are available through JG Percussion.

Edward Leonard 

Conductor

Edward Leonard has established an outstanding reputation for his versatility and interpretation of an extensive repertoire. As founder and Music Director of The Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, he has led the organization to substantial artistic growth since its creation in 2014. His comfort in diverse repertoire results in a conducting prowess and artistic command that spans the centuries.