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Matthew Garbutt has earned critical acclaim in the United States, Canada and the Far East for his innovative programming and artistry on the podium. Considered a versatile and exciting conductor, Garbutt has been hailed by audiences and critics alike. Each season he maintains a busy schedule of performances, conducting a wide range of music, from symphonies and symphonic pops to educational concerts. Garbutt has been the staff conductor and resident Pops conductor of the San Diego Symphony for more than 25 years. He has also been interim music director of the San Diego Youth Symphony and conductor for the Kids Artz Festival.

Matthew Garbutt has conducted such artists as Andres Cardenes, Leonard Pennario, Gustavo Romero, Zina Schiff and the Partore Brothers. He has also conducted numerous Pops artists, including Frankie Valli, Bill Medley, Ricky Skaggs, Dave Brubeck, Thelma Houston, José Feliciano, Diane Schuur, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Chris Botti and Michael Feinstein.

Born in Los Angeles, Garbutt began his musical studies on the tuba at age 10 and conducting at age 16. He attended the Idyllwild School of Music and Arts, the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California State University-Northridge and the California Institute of the Arts. He also attended the Academy for Music and Dramatic Arts in Vienna and completed studies at Indiana University. His mentors include Lawrence Christiansen, Daniel Lewis, Peter Eros, Karl Ostericher and Maurice Abravanel.

When not on the podium, Matthew Garbutt also serves as Principal Tuba of the San Diego Symphony.