Matthew Hudgens is an accomplished classical musician hailed for his “sumptuous bravura decants arias” – San Diego Story (2024). 

Born and raised in Grand Junction, Colorado, Matthew’s passion for music was ignited at a young age when he discovered the beauty of classical compositions on the radio.  

Intrigued by instrumental music and early jazz recordings, he initially pursued the saxophone but found his musical calling in the oboe.

Matthew specializes in historical oboes and recorders from the Renaissance to the Classical eras. He can primarily be found playing an oboe copy from the early 18th century made by the Leipzig instrument maker J.H. Eichentopf and built by Sand Dalton. Most recently, he has expanded into slightly later works, performing on a romantic 1890s-era oboe for the symphonies of Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Tchaikovsky.

Matthew has collaborated with numerous period and modern ensembles throughout the United States. He has shared the stage with esteemed organizations such as Portland Baroque, American Bach Soloists, Philharmonie Austin, Oregon Bach Festival, Opera Neo, Sonoma Bach, and the Oregon Symphony, where he serves as a substitute oboist. In addition to performing in the States, Matthew has performed with Juilliard415 on the international stage in New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Canada, and France.

He is a founding member of the Newfound Chamber Winds, formerly known as the Maryland Chamber Winds. With this ensemble, he has recorded three albums on the Tonsehen Records label: Preludes and Recitations (2020), Kairos (2024), and Flutelore (2025), in addition to performing on several recordings with the North Texas Wind Symphony for the GIA Wind Works label. Matthew had the opportunity to collaborate with members of Les Arts Florissants in a music video production, performing bassist and composer Doug Balliett’s Ovid Cantatas, produced by Quincy Jones (2021).

Matthew pursued his passion by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Oboe Performance from East Tennessee State University. Eager to refine his craft further, Matthew earned master’s degrees in Oboe Performance from the University of North Texas and in Historical Performance from The Juilliard School.

When Matthew is not immersed in his musical pursuits, he finds solace in the natural beauty of his home in Portland, Oregon. He enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring the trails, and cherishing moments with family and friends.