The Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) celebrates the 100th birthday of its founder, Maestro Matteo Giammario. A visionary in music education and performance, Giammario’s legacy continues to inspire generations of young musicians.

Born in Trenton to Italian immigrant parents from the Puglia region, Giammario developed a deep love for music early on, influenced by the Neapolitan melodies of his Little Italy neighborhood. While he initially aspired to play the guitar in local ensembles, his mother encouraged him to take up the violin — a decision that sparked a lifelong passion for music education and orchestral performance.

Giammario served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, training in Newport, R.I., before being stationed aboard the USS Chester (CA 27) in the Pacific Theater. His service broadened his worldview and deepened his commitment to his fellow veterans, particularly those who were injured or emotionally affected by wartime experiences.

Following his military service, Giammario pursued higher education through the GI Bill, earning his undergraduate degree at New York University, a Master’s degree from Columbia University, and a doctorate from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He also studied at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome.

Giammario dedicated much of his career to the Trenton school district, where he served first as a music educator and later as the director of music education. His impact extended beyond the classroom when he was invited by the American Federation of Musicians Local 62 to conduct the Mercer County Symphonic Orchestra (MCSO), an ensemble of high school, college, and professional musicians. Under his leadership, the MCSO evolved into the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra, with a renewed focus on providing a world-class experience for student musicians.

Though retired from teaching, Giammario remains an active composer and arranger, creating works that reflect his Italian heritage, military service, and deep ties to the veteran community. In recognition of his contributions to the performing arts, the GPYO Board has named its soloist performance competition “The Maestro Matteo Giammario Concerto Competition.”

To honor Giammario’s legacy, GPYO is launching a campaign to reach 100 new donors in the next four weeks. Visit gpyo.org for more information.