Matthew Ernst

A native of Massillon, OH, Matthew Ernst joined the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as Principal Trumpet in 2014. Prior to his appointment with the CSO, he served as Acting Principal Trumpet with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and as Associate Principal Trumpet in the Louisiana Philharmonic. A dedicated educator, Matthew has also held teaching positions at the University of Virginia, the University of New Orleans, and the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts.

Matthew pursued his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan, where he studied with William Campbell. He received two Master of Music degrees from Southern Methodist University—the first in trumpet performance, studying with Tom Booth of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the second in conducting. In addition to his degree work, he also was a fellow at Tanglewood Music Center and attended the Pacific Music Festival and Brevard Music Center.

Matthew resides in Cincinnati with his wife, Janna, a vocal coach and accompanist, and their two, young daughters, Madeleine and Margaret.