(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) is proud to celebrate the 100th birthday of its esteemed founder, Maestro Matteo Giammario. A visionary in music education and performance, Maestro Giammario's legacy continues to inspire generations of young musicians.
Born in Trenton, NJ, to Italian immigrant parents from the Puglia region, Matteo Giammario developed a deep love for music early on, influenced by the Neapolitan melodies of his Little Italy neighborhood. While he initially aspired to play the guitar in local ensembles, his mother encouraged him to take up the violin—a decision that sparked a lifelong passion for music education and orchestral performance.
Maestro Giammario served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, training in Newport, RI, before being stationed aboard the USS Chester (CA 27) in the Pacific Theater. His service broadened his worldview and deepened his commitment to his fellow veterans, particularly those who were injured or emotionally affected by wartime experiences.
Following his military service, Giammario pursued higher education through the GI Bill, earning his undergraduate degree at New York University, a Master’s degree from Columbia University, and a doctorate from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He also studied at the prestigious Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, further enriching his musical expertise.
Giammario dedicated much of his career to the Trenton school district, where he served first as a music educator and later as the director of music education. His impact extended beyond the classroom when he was invited by the American Federation of Musicians Local 62 to conduct the Mercer County Symphonic Orchestra (MCSO), an ensemble of high school, college, and professional musicians. Under his leadership, the MCSO evolved into the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra, with a renewed focus on providing a world-class experience for student musicians.
Though retired from teaching, Maestro Giammario remains an active composer and arranger, creating works that reflect his Italian heritage, military service, and deep ties to the veteran community. In recognition of his immense contributions to the performing arts, the GPYO Board has named its soloist performance competition “The Maestro Matteo Giammario Concerto Competition.”
To honor Maestro Giammario’s extraordinary legacy, GPYO is launching a campaign to reach 100 new donors in the next four weeks. This initiative celebrates his unwavering dedication to inspiring young musicians and ensuring that the orchestra remains a vital cultural resource for the Princeton area and beyond.
To participate in the centennial celebration, please visit www.gpyo.org or contact [email protected].
The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) provides excellent training and performance opportunities for students seeking challenging musical ensemble experiences, while cultivating a lifelong appreciation of the arts.
Their ensembles are open to elementary to high school students by competitive audition. Through their involvement with the orchestra, gifted young musicians from across central New Jersey and Pennsylvania hone their skills as performers in large orchestral groups and chamber and quartet ensembles. They learn to work with others in pursuing common goals and enrich all our lives through public performances of classical music.
