About Me
Travelling the world with my cello, I’m a collaborative soloist and chamber musician from New Zealand with a number of awards acquired along the way. A student of Pieter Wispelwey, James Tennant and Sally-Anne Alloway, I appear regularly on stages throughout Europe, China, UK, Australia and NZ, and aim to share the transformative power of music to my audiences, as it has been in my life since the spritely age of three. Currently situated in Auckland as a member of NZTrio, I continue to travel and bring music all over the world.
The Colour Of Music
2nd Prize: Schoenfeld International String Competition (2025 – CHN)
1st Prize: Accordi Musicali International Cello Competition (2024 – IT)
1st Prize: Royal Over Seas League Strings Award (2021 – UK)
1st Prize: Sieghardt-Rometsch Solo Competition (2019 – DE)
1st Prize: National Concerto Competition x2 (2014 & 2017 – NZ)
1st Prize: Royal Over Seas League Chamber Competition (2016 – NZ)
1st Prize: International Wallace Cello Competition (2016 – NZ)
1st Prize: PACANZ Performing Arts Competitions Society of New Zealand (2015 – NZ)
1st Prize: National Chamber Music Competition (2013 – NZ)
2nd Prize: Gisborne International Music Competition (2015 – NZ)
2nd Prize: Sieghardt-Rometsch Chamber Music Competition (2019 – DE)
Award: Creative Performing Arts Person of the Year (2017 – NZ)
Award: Sir Edmund Hillary Gold Medal Award (2017 – NZ)
Newest Member of NZTrio
New Arrangement - La Campanella
Five Lines Article
Artist Spotlight article on Elizabeth Kerr’s Five Lines, a collection of her writings about the music of Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Solitary Fables
The release of this solo album with Atoll Records celebrates 100 years of compositions that encapsulate for me the essence of the cello. Recorded during times of global isolation, each work depicts a story of unique solitude.
Out Now on all Streaming Platforms!
Social Media
As a classical musician in a crowded field, my mission in using social media is twofold: to foster a deeper connection with my audience and to advocate for the enduring relevance of classical music in the digital age. Through platforms like Facebook and Instagram, I aim to offer glimpses into the beauty and intricacy of my craft, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, rehearsal snippets, and performance highlights. By engaging directly with my followers, I strive to cultivate a sense of community and appreciation for the richness of classical music. Moreover, I see social media as a tool to break down barriers, making this art form more accessible and inclusive to audiences of all backgrounds.
Check out my Instagram page to keep up to date with clips and photos of my musical adventures!
The music was in his body, his fingers and his brain as if it could be no other way. The cello seemed like an extension of his body and, for the first time any cares I had about the acoustic, the instrument, the work, the age of the player, or anything else, totally disappeared
– Tony Ryan, Radio NZ
Cellist Matthias Balzat verzauberte das Publikum im Konzerthaus zum Haus mit anspruchsvoller Kammermusik
– Rheinische Post
This critic, however, would also be remiss in not naming one Matthias Balzat. The other cellists would have been at home in a professional orchestra, but Balzat would handle the concerto lead in a concert and be praised for his performance. Were I ever to need a conduit for feelings I could not express in words, I would call on Balzat. His fluency and sensitivity lifted the whole performance.
– Sam Edwards, Stuff NZ
Pianistin und Cellist stellten sich im hingebungsvollen und virtuosen Spiel als hervorragend eingespieltes Duo mit Temperament, Leidenschaft und Feingefühl vor
– Rheinische Post
The passionately-sounded ‘cello line was addressed with great feeling and beautifully-modulated tones from soloist Matthias Balzat, whose performance overall was, to put it mildly, both brilliant and commanding
– Peter Mechen, Middle C
