About
Matthew Boutda, named one of CBC’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30” (2024), is an emerging leader in Canada’s choral community.
He is currently completing a Doctor of Music: Performance Studies (Choral Conducting) at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music under the supervision of Dr. Jean-Sébastien Vallée. At McGill, Boutda has served as Course Lecturer and Principal Conductor of the University Chorus and Concert Choir, as well as Assistant Conductor of the Schulich Singers.
Boutda has collaborated with many of Canada’s leading professional choral organizations, including the Elmer Iseler Singers, Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Pro Coro Canada, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and the Vancouver Chamber Choir. His artistry and leadership have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, including the Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation, Hnatyshyn Foundation Christa and Franz-Paul Decker Fellowship in Conducting, Clifford Evens Graduate Conducting Award, Graduate Excellence Fellowship, and the Wayne Riddell Choral Award.
Beyond the podium, Matthew has served on various committees and organizations. Recently, these included being a member of the Executive Committee of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, Ambassador for the Center for Congregational Song, board member of the Summer Institute of Church Music, the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and the curation committee for Then Let Us Sing! resource for the United Church of Canada.
He holds a Master of Music in Literature and Performance (Choral Conducting)from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Sacred Music (Organ) and a Bachelor of Music in History and Theory (Piano) from the University of Toronto, the Professional Diploma from in Choral Conducting from the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and an Associate Diploma in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
He recently completed his appointment as Apprentice Conductor of the National Youth Choir of Canada in May 2026 as well as serving as the 2025-2026 James T. Chestnutt Scholar with the Elmer Iseler Singers.
Boutda currently holds the position as the Director of Music at Leaside United Church and looks forward to making a guest conducting appearance with Pro Coro Canada in their 2026-2027 season as well as serving as the Associate Conductor with Pax Christi Chorale.