Filipino pianist, Darren Matias, is a musician, director, organist, and educator of international reputation. He started playing the piano at the age of 14 and had a recital debut three years later. He is the 1st Prize Winner of the Ultimate Pianist Competition in Manila, 1st Prize Winner of the 2017 Liszt International Competition in Ohio State University and a scholarship recipient of the National Society of Arts and Letters for several years. He has concertized throughout the United States, Russia, Philippines, and throughout Europe. He is currently the music director at Saint Juliana Catholic Church in West Palm Beach and an Adjunct Professor of Music at Lynn University Musical Theatre Department and Conservatory of Music.

His performance of the Liszt Totentanz with the Charlotte Symphony was described by Florida Weekly as “the most exciting performance of the season. Mr. Matias attacked the piano with passion and virtuosity that left the audience breathless… the audience leapt to its feet with a thunderous standing ovation and chorus of bravos.”

He recently performed the video game music of Nobuo Uematsu’s Final Fantasy with the Distant Worlds Philharmonic, premiered the avant-garde work of William Kentridge’s Head and the Load with the original London and African casts, and collaborated with Linda Eder, Frankie Grande, Julie Danao-Salkin, Yasa Poletaeva (violinist), Yehuda Hanani (cellist), David Cole (cellist), Tropical Wave Chorus, University of Lubjana Choir, the Boca West Chorus, the UST Singers, and with members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic. He also appeared as soloist of the Charlotte Symphony, New York Festival Orchestra, University of Santo Tomas Symphony, Lynn Philharmonia, and was orchestral pianist to New World Symphony, South Florida Symphony, and Boca Symphonia.

Mr. Matias’ diverse musical career has led him to performing works from Gregorian Chant literature to contemporary musical theatre. He music directed shows and operas such as Turandot, Eugene Onegin, Bluebeard’s Castle, Urinetown, the Company, Chicago, Book of Mormon, Anything Goes, West Side Story, 42nd Street, the Head and the Load, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Celebration of Arts, and has produced several cabaret concerts across South Florida. He was also a part time music director at the Wick Theatre and the Delray Beach Playhouse.

He is a recipient of the SM Global Filipino Award, Saint Benavides Award, and the Presidential Medal on Culture and Arts in the Philippines. He appeared in the renowned master classes of concert pianists like Gary Graffman, Leon Fleisher, Arie Vardi, Philippe Entremonte, Lydia Artimiw, Jon Kimura Parker, and Alexander Toradze. 

Mr. Matias earned five music degrees including his Masters in Piano Performance from Lynn University Conservatory Of Music. He is currently the only recipient of the Performance Certificate Degree in Chamber Music at Lynn. He has studied under the acclaimed tutelages of Lisa Leonard, Elmar Oliveira, Dr. Jon Robertson, Dr. Roberta Rust, Sir Peter Porticos, Miss Erlinda Fule, and Miss Melody Gonzales-Ramos. You may now follow Darren on facebook and instagram as #DarnFireFingers.

I lift up to the Lord all my artistic journey. Now that my dad is in heaven, I continue to feel him in my music. I am grateful to my mom, Tess, brother, Daniel, and grandmother, Dolly for their unwavering love and sacrifices in order for me to have this artistic career. To my best friend, Yasa, thank you for everything as well! To all my faithful supporters, I literally would not be here without you. Thank you for the gift of your love and friendships! – Darren