
Bio
Matheus Souza (b. 1997) is a composer, improviser, and performer from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His work centers on the composition and performance of electroacoustic music and free improvisation. His production spans a wide range of formats, including solo live electronics, acousmatic music, audiovisual, and mixed music compositions. As an improviser, he has collaborated with visual artists, dancers, and musicians across diverse genres such as experimental, jazz, contemporary, noise and ambient music.
Souza's current artistic research focuses on the physical engagement in live electronics performance on modular instruments. His live setup incorporates a Buchla Easel Command, a Sensel Morph with a Buchla Thunder overlay, an Erica Synths system he has customized, including a Spring Reverb tank used as an electroacoustic instrument. He also develops Max/MSP patches programmed with the aim of expanding and enhancing his workflow on his hardware setup.
After earning a diploma in Violin Performance from the Villa-Lobos Institute (UNIRIO), Matheus Souza completed his Masters in Contemporary Performance and Composition (CoPeCo) in 2024, under the guidance of Michele Tadini and Jean Geoffroy, by having the CNSMD de Lyon as home institution. As part of the CoPeCo program, he participated at Erasmus exchanges at leading institutions across Europe, including the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hamburg. He received training in composition from Helena Tulve, in Theory and Analysis of Electroacoustic Music with Mattias Sköld, Henrik Frisk, and Erik Peters, in performance and live electronics from Taavi Kerikmäe and George Kentros, and in free improvisation from Vlatko Kučan, Theodore Parker, and Claudine Simons. Currently, Souza is pursuing a DNSPM (Bachelors) in Contemporary Composition (Mixed Music) at the CNSMD de Lyon, under Michele Tadini's guidance.
In November 2023, he independently released his debut album, Terra, a 34-minute solo work in two parts composed, performed, improvised and recorded in single takes on the Buchla 200/200e system at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. The album highlights Souza's mastery of the Buchla’s unique sonic architecture possibilities, blending intricate sound design with dynamic improvisation. Terra reflects his ability to harness the expressive potential of modular synthesis, creating immersive, evolving soundscapes that showcase both technical skill and artistic vision.
In March 2024, Matheus completed an Artistic Residency at Erica Synths HQ in Riga, Latvia. During the residency, he explored the interaction between Buchla systems and Eurorack modules, focusing on Erica Synths units and their DIY Buchla 200. His residency culminated in a live performance at Erica Synths Garage, where he premiered the prototype of his work "Diode".

Matheus Souza. Rio de Janeiro. 2023.