A native of Michigan, violinist Matthew Lehmann attended Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Music. After completing graduate studies at Mannes and Mannhattan Schools of Music, Matthew began his career as the Assistant Principal Second of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra in 2000. He was the Assistant Concertmaster of the Harrisburg Symphony from 2002-2013 and has been a tenured member of the Grant Park Symphony in Chicago since 2004.
Aside from his work in classical music and Broadway, Matthew has concertized and toured with many popular music artists such as Sting, Barbara Streisand, The Eagles, Peter Gabriel, Billy Joel, Elton John and The Who. As a recording musician, he can be heard on dozens of film sountracks as well as albums by popular artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Merchant, U2, Bruce Hornsby, Amy Winehouse, and Tony Bennet.
The unconventional hours of a career in music have enabled Mr. Lehmann to take a very active role in his home community of Harrington Park, NJ. Working primarily in the evening has allowed Matthew to volunteer for many school day needs such as serving lunch, class reading, and work as a school crossing guard. Furloughed from performance work for 18 months by the pandemic, Mr. Lehmann found new opportunities to expand his community involvement by coaching HP Minors baseball as well as serving as a member of the Harrington Park Board of Education for 5 years. Matthew's wife of 23 years, Ann Lehmann, has joined him in many community endeavors, including serving together as den leaders for Cub Scouts Troop 111. Ann, also a professional violinist, and Matthew frequently coordinate as a duet ensemble at community events and retirement homes throughout the Northern Valley of NJ. Additionally, each summer the Lehmanns relocate to Chicago for the Grant Park Music Festival season in Millenium Park. In addition to providing free classical concerts to the public for 10 weeks each season, the Matthew and Ann participate in festival programs focussed on mentoring young musical professionals, inner city outreach, and music education.
