Makia Matsumura first gained recognition as a composer and pianist in her teenage years. In her late twenties, a seemingly random invitation to accompany a silent film sparked a lifelong passion. What began as a one-off event soon turned into a defining artistic path. Since then, she has become one of the most sought-after artists in the field of live silent film accompaniment. Known for her richly improvisational style, Matsumura brings classic cinema to life with expressive, spontaneous scores. She has performed at major festivals and institutions around the world, captivating audiences with her ability to fuse musical storytelling with visual narrative. Her concerto performance credits include appearances with the Hungarian National Symphony, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, and Kyoto Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared at leading venues throughout Europe and Japan, as well as at renowned archives and festivals such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Lincoln Center, Library of Congress, American Film Institute, George Eastman Museum, the Pordenone Silent Film Festival (Italy), and the National Film Archive of Japan, among others. Beyond the stage, Matsumura has created recorded scores for several Kino Lorber releases, including Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers and Pioneers of African-American Cinema. Select titles from these collections have been broadcast on Turner Classic Movies and streamed on Netflix. She holds composition degrees from the Tokyo University of the Arts and the Juilliard School. A longtime resident of New York City, Matsumura continues to explore the intersection of music and film, breathing new life into cinematic legacy with every performance.
Summer Chamber Music Workshop Participants
“I learned how to listen, how to be helpful, and how to be accepting at Apple Hill.”
“I liked the opportunity to play chamber music with talented musicians and excellent coaches in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.”
