Remembering Matt Miles

It is with profound sadness that we write to share the news that Matt Miles, Classical California’s Director of Major Gifts and our dear friend, passed away on Friday. For nearly ten years, Matt served Classical California with dedication and a deep belief in our mission, most recently as the Director of Major Gifts.

His warmth, sincerity, and commitment touched so many across our organization and beyond. Most important and devastating, Matt was a proud husband to Alana and father of three young children. This is an enormous loss not only for Classical California, but also for the broader Southern California community. A USC Thornton alumnus, Matt was deeply engaged in music across Los Angeles. That includes as a performer with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, co-founder (with his wife, Alana) of the Los Angeles School of Music, and as choir director at multiple churches in Southern California. His passion for music and community was evident in the relationships he built and the service he gave. His absence will be felt by many, and his presence will always be with us.

. We know that many members of our community may be looking for a way to show their love and support during this incredibly difficult time. A GoFundMe has been established to help Matt’s family in the days ahead. For those who are able and would like to contribute, we invite you to join us in surrounding his family with the same care and generosity that Matt so freely shared with others. Please keep Matt’s family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts.

This past Sunday, A Joyful Noise became a musical tribute to our beloved colleague and friend, Matt Miles. Now you can listen on demand as Brian Lauritzen shares music that was meaningful to Matt, including recordings featuring Matt himself singing with the Los Angeles Master Chorale. At the heart of the program is Brahms’ German Requiem, a work born from loss and written to bring comfort to those left behind. The morning concludes with Unclouded Day, the final piece Brian saw Matt conduct—a joyful and uplifting reflection of the optimism, exuberance, and love Matt brought to those around him. Through the music he loved so deeply, we remember Matt and the joyful noise he brought into our world.