Matthew Yar

Resident Conductor 2026 Fall – 2027 Spring
MD 2024 Fall – 2026 Spring

Matthew Yar ’28 is an astrophysics concentrator known for his vivid and dynamic performances. Passionate about sacred music, Matthew is a Ferris Choral Fellow with the Harvard University Choir and studies organ with David von Behren and Peter Sykes, having attended masterclasses by Chelsea Chen, Isabelle Demers (Boston AGO), Paul Jacobs (Oregon Bach Festival) and Michael Beattie (Emmanuel Music Bach Institute, continuo organ). Matthew is the Organ Scholar for The Church of the Advent for the 2026-27 academic year.

An avid champion of new music, Matthew has conducted the world premieres of two original musical theatre productions on campus. He has also written a piece for the Ferris Choral Fellows under the Harvard Choruses New Music Initiative.

At Harvard, Matthew is an active member of the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra and has served on the music staff of the Harvard Ballet Company, Harvard College Opera and Harvard-Radcliffe Gilbert and Sullivan Players.

Yar holds performance diplomas LRSM (distinction) and ARSM (distinction) in violin and piano respectively, previously achieving the top score for the diploma exam in the whole of South and East Asia. His favourite memory is performing an all-Bach recital for the Republic of Singapore Air Force Medical Services.