News
A busy summer...
Martin has enjoyed a busy summer. Alongside concerts in Norway and the UK with the Maggini Quartet, he enjoyed a fabulous time at one of China's largest festivals, the Poly Festival in Tianjin. He performed as a soloist and in chamber music with other professors from the ten major conservatoires in China and gave individual lessons to 44 students during his stay! Later he performed works by Britten, Marcello and Shostakovich with pianist Julian Rolton as part of his annual summer school at the Benslow Music Trust, Hitchin, Hertfordshire.
Another recital in Cambridge
Again with Nigel Yandell (piano), this time in Trinity College Chapel. It was a wonderful experience to perform works by Bach and Shostakovich in this iconic setting.
Honorary Professorship
Martin has been conferred with the title Lionel Tertis Professor of Viola at the Royal Academy of Music, London. He is now the longest serving teacher of viola in the Academy's two hundred year history and this honorary title was awarded to recognise his contribution since 1984. This is the first time the title has been awarded.
Masterclass in Sion, Switzerland
Martin gave two days of masterclasses at the conservatoire in this beautiful city. It is known as the sunniest town in Switzerland and lived up to all expectations!
Masterclass in Leipzig
Martin went to Leipzig to give two days of masterclasses. This was part of his longstanding exchange with Professor Tatjana Masurenko.
Recent recital
Martin gave a recital in Cambridge with pianist Nigel Yandell featuring works by Vaughan Williams and Brahms
New release
A CD entitled 'Viola Fantasia' featuring the complete works for viola and piano by Vaughan Williams was released on the Albion Label. Julian Rolton (piano) and Mark Padmore (tenor) joined Martin in this tribute to a composer for whom the viola was hugely important. The disc has the number ALBCD036. '...staggering virtuosity. Brilliance and verve...but with it tenderness and phrasing of the highest order: supreme musicianship in fact'.
World premiere of a new viola concerto
Martin was the soloist in the world premiere performance of a magnificent new concerto for viola and string orchestra by Peter Aviss. Peter conducted the Oare String Orchestra and dedicated the work to Martin. Plans are afoot to record this exciting new work and another performance is scheduled for 29 January 2022.
Masterclass in Vienna
Martin participated in an exchange with Professor Thomas Selditz. Thomas came to the Royal Academy of Music earlier this year
Masterclass in Lyon
Martin gave two days of masterclasses at the Conservatoire National Superieure de Musique et de Danse de Lyon in February this year. This was part of an exchange with Professor Francoise Gneri
Sinfonia Concertante
Martin joined Maggini Quartet colleague Julian Leaper in a performance of the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante in November with the Amersham Festival Orchestra conducted by Iain Ledingham
World premiere - Oxford
Martin was the soloist in the world premiere of Stuart MacRae's 'Equilibrium' for solo viola and chamber ensemble in a performance as part of the Oxford Contemporary Music Festival
Competition for a new work for solo viola and string orchestra
Martin was one of the judges in an enterprising competition sponsored by the Oare String Orchestra, under the leadership of its Artistic Director Peter Aviss. The premiere performance with Martin as soloist took place in Faversham and the winning work was given a second performance a year later.
Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition
Martin was invited to give another recital with Julian Rolton and a masterclass at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition. This took place in Port Erin on the Isle of Man.
Martin joined Maggini Quartet colleague Julian Leaper in a performance of the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante in November with the Amersham Festival Orchestra conducted by Iain Ledingham
World premiere - Oxford
Martin was the soloist in the world premiere of Stuart MacRae's 'Equilibrium' for solo viola and chamber ensemble in a performance as part of the Oxford Contemporary Music Festival
Competition for a new work for solo viola and string orchestra
Martin was one of the judges in an enterprising competition sponsored by the Oare String Orchestra, under the leadership of its Artistic Director Peter Aviss. The premiere performance with Martin as soloist took place in Faversham and the winning work was given a second performance a year later.
Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition
Martin was invited to give another recital with Julian Rolton and a masterclass at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition. This took place in Port Erin on the Isle of Man.