By Jonathan Heath
Matilda Hofman ’09E (MM) has spent the past 15 years charting an impressive musical course since graduating from the Eastman School of Music. After settling on the West Coast, she set about establishing her career, seizing guest conducting opportunities and filling a rigorous performance calendar—all while raising two children. “I’ve built a musical family in my new home,” she reveals.
Matilda Hofman
Hofman’s move to California is an extension of her lifelong westward migration—she was born and raised in England and studied at Cambridge University and the Royal Academy of Music in London before continuing her studies at Eastman. From a young age, she was drawn to chamber music, and as a student, she began exploring contemporary music, conducting, and opera. These interests have led to numerous conducting performances in the United States and Europe, culminating in career highlights, including conducting at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio and performing Luigi Nono’s opera Prometeo across Germany, Switzerland, France, Holland, and Austria.
Living in the Golden State also satisfies Hofman’s love for the outdoors. An avid backpacker, she regularly hikes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Trinity Alps (where she recently became a part-time Wilderness Ranger) and, closer to home, near Mount Diablo State Park, 40 miles outside San Francisco. This rugged peak lends its name to the Diablo Symphony Orchestra, where Hofman has served as Music Director for 12 years. Additionally, she is the conductor-in-residence for the Empyrean Ensemble at UC Davis and Artistic Director of the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble. In these roles, she has been steadfast in cultivating musical relationships, much as she did during her time at Eastman.
Hofman’s return to Rochester to conduct the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra in Kilbourn Hall on March 31, 2025, will be her first visit in over 15 years. I spoke with her about the significance of the moment and learned what she has in store.
Matilda, what memories do you have of your time at Eastman School of Music?
“So many good memories! There was a real community within the students and faculty, and I still stay in touch and work with many of them. There was a sense of curiosity, exploration, and dedication to making music to the highest level. I’m very grateful to Neil Varon, professor of conducting & ensembles, for being such a great teacher. I also had a wonderful time working with Ossia, the Composers’ Sinfonietta, and the outreach orchestra.”
What lessons from Eastman do you still apply to your work today?
“I think a lot about the need to be flexible (both technically and mentally) and having the skills to respond quickly to different situations. Also, the need to bring clear and effective communication to rehearsal. I learned so much while at Eastman and loved my time here.”
What skills do you focus on when conducting, especially as a guest conductor?
“Knowing the score as well as I can! Having a clear vision of the piece, while at the same time having the ability to respond to whatever may come up in real time is important. Also, building a strong musical connection with the ensemble, so that we can really bring the music to life with the same purpose.”
What do you have programmed for your upcoming concert in Kilbourn Hall?
“Gabriela Lena Frank’s Elegía Andina opens the program. Frank is a West Coast composer with Peruvian, Jewish, and Lithuanian roots, but Elegía Andina was written for and first performed by the Albany Symphony orchestra in New York. Afterwards, Eastman master’s student Brett Miller will conduct Nino Rota’s Divertimento Concertante for double-bass and orchestra. The program finishes with Mozart’s final symphony, the Jupiter.
“I love the rhythmic vitality which is at the heart of the very different works on this program. There is a lot of sunshine in these pieces, but each composer also uses chromaticism and dissonance to explore the shadows. There was also a bass concerto on my final recital at Eastman, so this program feels like coming full circle!”
You’ve initiated educational programs at Diablo, what advice do you have for young conductors?
“I would tell them that understanding how to plan and program educational concerts, and how to build and strengthen musical connections across a community are great skills for young conductors to have. That being able to connect with the young musicians and music-lovers of tomorrow is an integral part of your work. To work with as many different kinds of ensembles as you can! And finally, to be curious and invested in your musical community.”
Eastman School Symphony Orchestra
with guest conductor Matilda Hofman
Monday, March 31, 2025
7:30 p.m. | Kilbourn Hall