Music From the Western Reserve: Cellist Matthew Allen with Anita Pontremoli
"Allen continued solo with...Kodaly's Sonata, Op. 8. At various times, the cellist took on the sonority of a hurdy-gurdy, the virtuosity of a gypsy fiddler and the bravura of a guitarist"
Daniel Hathaway - Cleveland Classical
CIM Orchestra at Severance Hall (April 13)
Winner of the CIM(Cleveland Institute of Music) Concerto Competition, cellist Matthew Allen was featured in Serge Prokofiev’s Sinfonia Concertante for Cello and Orchestra, op. 125
-"Mr. Allen played the socks off a complicated, demanding work with a surprise lurking around every corner...he introduced us to his big, rich tone...an extroverted and highly communicative soloist...he is a splendid cellist"
-Daniel Hathaway
ClevelandClassical
Masterworks 5 - Asheville Symphony
"...His musicianship was showcased by the elegant shape that he gave to the work. While he did not ignore opportunities for virtuoso displays, his attention was mainly in the purity of the composition and in each musical expression"
Asheville Symphony: Review by John Bridges
Pro-Musica Chamber Fest ends on High Note
"The terrific twosome, [Caroline] Goulding and [Matthew] Allen...nailed it [Brahms "Double" Concerto] with the confidence and poise of mature musicians"
El Paso Inc.
Review: Young cellist 'brilliant' in MSO concert
"With energy, intelligence and dexterity, Allen displayed a mastery of his instrument and the concerto that was breathtaking..."
Midland Daily News
2008 Stulberg winner Matthew Allen dazzles in 'Side by Side' concert
"In the Shostakovich concerto, Allen certainly lived up to expectations. He had the presence of a seasoned soloist, beaming confidence yet thoroughly focused on making extraordinary music."
Kalamazoo Gazette
From the Top At the Pops
"...16-year-old cellist, Matthew Allen of Tallahassee...played it [Popper's Hungarian Rhapsody] with flair, ease and stunning tone." (Cincinnati Enquirer, 2008)
Cincinnati Enquirer, 2008