Matthew Boutda

Laotian-Canadian conductor Matthew Boutda, named one of CBC’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30” (2024), is an emerging leader in Canada’s choral community.

He is currently completing his Doctor of Music (D.Mus.) in Choral Conducting at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music under Dr. Jean-Sébastien Vallée, where he has directed the University Chorus and Concert Choir, as Course Lecturer and Principal Conductor, and served as Assistant Conductor of the Schulich Singers.

His experience includes leading choirs in professional, university, youth, community, and faith-based settings nationwide, with collaborations including the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and TMSingers, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Ontario Youth Choir, Modern Sound Collective, Western University Singers, and Pax Christi Chorale.

Based in Toronto, Matthew also serves as the Director of Music at Leaside United Church. His recent awards include the Hnatyshyn Foundation Christa and Franz-Paul Decker Fellowship in Conducting, Clifford Evens Graduate Conducting Award, Graduate Excellence Fellowship, and the Wayne Riddell Choral Award.

He holds a Master of Music (M.Mus.) in Choral Conducting from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Sacred Music (MSM) in Organ Performance as well as a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) in History and Theory from the University of Toronto, and an Associate Diploma in Piano Performance (ARCT) from the Royal Conservatory of Music.