Associate Conductor

Matthew Pavon is a conductor and artistic leader dedicated to creating musical experiences that resonate with and unite communities.

On the podium, Pavon has collaborated with a diverse range of ensembles, including the Austin Civic Orchestra, Kansas City Civic Orchestra, Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra, and several university ensembles. His musical leadership is informed by his professional performance experience as a violist, including a five-year tenure with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and frequent performances with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas.

A firm believer that the arts are vital to every community, Pavon founded the Galloway Chamber Orchestra in Springfield, MO, in 2021. Under his leadership as Artistic Director, the ensemble developed an inclusive space for local professional collaboration and community engagement. Beginning as a small string chamber ensemble, GCO grew into a full symphony orchestra performing across multiple venues in the Springfield community.

At the University of Texas at Austin, he served as an Assistant Instructor and Co-Music Director for the University Orchestra. His tenure at UT Austin also included assistant and guest conducting appearances with the University of Texas Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. Prior to UT Austin, he was appointed Assistant Conductor for Missouri State University during the 2022-2023 academic year. Pavon’s commitment to the next generation of musicians is also reflected in his work as a guest and Workshop Conductor for the Youth Symphony of Kansas City. He holds a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as degrees in music from Missouri State University and Evangel University.

Outside the concert hall, he is an avid swimmer and often enjoys hiking with his wife, Leianna, and their two mini Australian Shepherds, Koda and Ellie.