- Claudio Abbado

World famous conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Vienna State Opera and many more.

To whom it may concern:

Matthew Souter is an outstanding Viola player and leader of the Viola section of the European Community Youth Orchestra (European Union Youth Orchestra). He has led the section for me and also for Leonard Bernstein and Antal Dorati and has shown an extraordinary degree of professionalism for such a young player.

Matthew has a solid and secure technique and an ability to discipline and co-operate with his section admirably. He deserves very serious consideration and I am happy to recommend him.

Claudio Abbado