Joanna Mattrey

ISSUE Project Room celebrates the 20th Anniversary of its Artists-In-Residence (AIR) program throughout 2026 with performances by current residents and returning alumni. This anniversary season highlights AIRs whose work reflects the ongoing evolution of a much broader community of experimental artists who have helped shape ISSUE for over twenty years.

Thursday, April 2nd, at 8pm, ISSUE presents an evening with Taraka (member of Prince Rama, 2011 AIR) and new music composer Joanna Mattrey (2021 AIR). Across distinct practices, both artists draw on mythic and speculative frameworks to disrupt traditional perceptions of music – embracing spontaneity and unpredictability. 

Expanding the program’s themes, Joanna Mattrey opens the evening with an improvised solo set highlighting her signature approach to prepared viola. Forging a mostly digital pathway through her 2021 residency (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), ISSUE is pleased to present Mattrey’s music – brutal and beautiful, raucous and reflective – live at the 22 Boerum Pl. theater.

Joanna Mattrey is a violist and composer working in free improvisation, new music, and classical music. She uses extended techniques, modern compositional approaches, and electronic alterations to challenge the conventions of the viola. Mattrey is a 2026/27 Crash Ensemble Resident Creator. Recent premieres include Battle Ready II (New Music Dublin, 2025), Battle Ready (Roulette, 2024), Arrhythmia (2023). Mattrey has had residencies with Roulette, Watermill, ISSUE Project Room, Banff, 14th Street Y, Wild Project, and MoMa PS1's ALLGOLD. Mattrey has performed with icons Tyshawn Sorey, Henry Threadgill, Miya Masaoka, Marc Ribot, John Zorn, Billy Martin, Elliott Sharp, the International Contemporary Ensemble, Crash Ensemble, and Irish National Opera. Mattrey has released numerous collaborative recordings and solo projects including 'Soulcaster' (Notice Recordings), ‘Dirge’ (Dear Life Recs), 'Veiled’ (Relative Pitch Records) and her works have been reviewed by Citizen Jazz, The Wire, The Chicago Reader, Bandcamp Daily, Noise Not Music, and more. Notable festivals include Newport Jazz Fest, ArtActs, Huddersfield Contemporary Music, and Monheim Trienniale.