Matthew C. Mainella is Assistant Conductor of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and Valdosta Youth Symphony at Valdosta State University. In 2011 he made his professional orchestral debut conducting Beethoven's Creatures of Prometheus overture. During the 2010-2011 season he assisted with performances of Mahler's Resurrection symphony, Holst’s The Planets, and the VSO's first-ever live production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. This season he conducted Mozart's Così fan tutte overture, and assisted in performances of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. Mr. Mainella regularly serves as a guest conductor for the VSU chamber ensembles, and has also conducted in several student recitals. He recently conducted in a graduate degree recital featuring Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Cellos, RV 531.

A Connecticut native, Mr. Mainella was previously Assistant Conductor of the Wesleyan University (CT) Wind Ensemble. As a trumpeter, he has performed with the University of Connecticut Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, and award-winning Wind Ensemble. During his time at UConn, he also produced a full-length studio album featuring original compositions for voice, trumpet, piano, and various small ensembles.

Mr. Mainella is currently working with Dr. Howard Hsu, and is pursuing a Master of Music Performance degree in orchestral conducting at Valdosta State University. Mr. Mainella received his Bachelor of Music degree in music