Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthias Maute.
Hi Matthias, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
What continues to inspire me most is the connection with Minnesotan audiences who truly value music and culture above everything else.
I currently live in Montreal, but through my frequent presence with the Bach Society of Minnesota, I’ve had the chance to really get to know the Twin Cities. The warmth and appreciation of the audiences there have been remarkable, and it’s something I cherish deeply.
I still remember my audition vividly—one of the board members had made homemade pizza in a wooden stove. It was absolutely delicious, and I thought to myself: this is a wonderful organization to be part of. That first impression turned out to be entirely true.
This season marks my 10th anniversary with the Bach Society of Minnesota, which feels both significant and very meaningful. Over the years, I’ve grown increasingly connected to the musicians, the organization, and the audience.
I’ve also been inspired by those who came before me. One story that stayed with me is about my predecessor, Charles Henry Smith, who once showed up to conduct a concert after a car accident, with a bloody bandage wrapped around his head. He still conducted the performance—beautifully in the slow movements, and with a bit less steadiness in the fast ones. That level of dedication and commitment has always struck me as deeply inspiring.
Ultimately, it’s this shared passion—for music, for excellence, and for human connection—that continues to guide me today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If you choose a life in culture, in music, you’re really choosing a life of adventure. The question isn’t whether the road has been smooth, but whether it has been interesting—and it certainly has. During the pandemic, the Bach Society developed the Mobile Mini-Concerts throughout the state, bringing music free of charge to people who need it most. The “Outside the Box” series was created to underscore the Bach Society’s motto: Bach & Beyond. And most recently, Ordway Hall was once again sold out for Vivaldi’s Gloria for women’s choir and The Four Seasons. Smooth? I don’t know! But highly interesting and inspiring—for sure! And also plain good old fun. I wouldn’t change a thing 🙂
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the Bach Society of Minnesota, my role is to shape the artistic vision—conducting, programming, playing and occasionally composing—with a focus on keeping the repertoire alive, relevant, and engaging.
What sets teh Bach Society apart is our mindset: we don’t just preserve tradition, we play with it. Our motto, Bach & Beyond, is more than a slogan—it’s an invitation to explore, to connect ideas, and to keep things moving. Whether through touring, collaborations, or projects that step slightly outside the expected frame, there’s always a sense of curiosity at work.
If there’s something I’m particularly proud of, it’s that balance between excellence and openness. There are milestones along the way—recordings, recognition, even a couple of JUNO Awards from my work in Canada—but those things open doors; what really matters is what happens when you walk through them.
In the end, what distinguishes us is perhaps quite simple: a serious commitment to the music, paired with a genuine sense of exploration—and, whenever possible, a bit of fun along the way.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
It’s hard to predict, especially at a time when culture is increasingly politicized and the digital era continues to leave its mark on live performance. At the same time, these shifts also push us to rethink how we present, share, and experience music.
Personally, I come back to something quite simple: we are all human beings, and music has always been—and will always be—part of our daily lives. However the formats evolve, that fundamental connection is not going anywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bachsocietymn.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bachsocietymn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bachsocietymn/
- Twitter: https://x.com/bachsocietymn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyvPJgXqUI7aHJQxEqKKd2Q
