Bio

Matthew Hardy is a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and teacher based in St. John’s Newfoundland. He received his undergraduate degree in music from Memorial University studying with Vernon Regehr and Meredith Johnson and completed his master’s in music from McGill University with Ali Yazdanfar. The double bass has been an exceptional part of Matthew’s life bringing him to Cape Cod Massachusetts to perform with the College Light Opera Company, across Ontario and Quebec with the National Youth Orchestra, and most recently to New York’s Carnegie Hall with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys organizing local events such as the annual Charlie Brown Christmas jazz show at the black sheep and “Mario Kart Live!”.

Fun Facts About Matthew

When did you join the NSO?

I joined the NSO in 2015.

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

The desire to make the change from electric to upright to join the orchestra was my inspiration to learn. However, Frank Fusari my first bass teacher made it happen. Also thanks to Grant Etchegary and the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Orchestra that supported my musical development as a young musician.

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

My favourite piece has to be Sheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov. I played this with the NSO for the first time back in 2016!

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Billie Joe Armstrong.

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I’m a big fan of nintendo and retro gaming, I organized Mario Kart Live! at the Black Sheep bringing my love of music and gaming together.