Mateus Modaffore Dandalo is a Brazilian violinist from São Paulo. He began studying the violin at the age of 10 and made his solo debut at the age of 11. He was awarded first prize at the Paulo Bosisio International Strings Competition and served as leader of the Pão de Açúcar Youth String Orchestra, touring throughout Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France and the United States, with performances at venues including Carnegie Hall.

As an orchestral musician, Mateus has performed with the Interlochen World Youth Orchestra, Londrina Symphony Orchestra and Chineke! Orchestra. He regularly freelances with the Manchester Camerata and Royal Northern Sinfonia, and is also included on the extras lists of Bath Philharmonia and Welsh National Opera. He was selected for the BBC Philharmonic Professional Experience Scheme in 2020 after successfully auditioning for a place on the programme; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme was significantly reduced, consisting of a rehearsal and online activities.

Mateus has also taken part in professional development opportunities and workshops with members of leading UK orchestras, including through Black Lives in Music, working with musicians from ensembles such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Mateus was a founding member of the award-winning Levare Quartet, winners of the RNCM Weill and Nossek Chamber Music Prizes, performing extensively across the UK. He completed his Bachelor of Music at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied with Julia Hanson, before undertaking a Master’s degree at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama with Krzysztof Smietana.

He is currently playing a violin by Giovanni Pistucci (Naples, 1800), on kind loan from the Harrison-Frank Family Foundation.