Marvis Martin

Marvis Lynn Martin[1] is an American operatic soprano, best known for her concert performances and recitals, including her renditions of Joseph Canteloube's Songs from the Auvergne, and of Bess in Bobby McFerrin's touring concert version of Porgy and Bess.[2]

Hailed as "a lyric soprano of unusual brightness, evenness and quality" by The New York Times and winner of several competition prizes,[3] Martin is acclaimed for her "beauty of voice and sensitive communication, receiving awards, medals and glowing reviews as a song recitalist, concert singer, and opera performer."[4]

Early life and education

Martin was born in Tallahassee, Florida but grew up in Miami, where she was singing professionally by the age of five.[5] She trained at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree, in 1977.[4] She subsequently obtained a master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music.[2] She then studied under Elisabeth Schwarzkopf[2] and was also a protégée of Alice Tully.[6]

Career

Martin made her professional debut in 1981 as part of the Young Concert Artists Series; the New York Times review called her "promising" and said that "at her best she displayed a talent and a temperament that could make her into an important singer."[7] She had her debut with the Metropolitan Opera in 1982, singing the role of "Pamina" in a touring production of The Magic Flute.[8] Over the next few years, she received "awards, medals and glowing reviews as a song recitalist, concert singer and opera performer."[9] At the Met, she performed in such operas as Boris Godunov, Don Carlo, Ariadne auf Naxos, Porgy and Bess, and Idomeneo.[8]

As her career matured, she spent more time focusing on recitals and concert performances than on opera, claiming, "I love opera, but don't necessarily love all the hubbub."[5] She has also slowed down her touring pace, saying, "I don't think that's a healthy way of life [...] I love going to the next city, but my jobs are spread out nicely."[5] She has performed with numerous orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra[10] and the New York Philharmonic, where music director and principal conductor, Zubin Mehta, programmed a piece for her.[11]

Martin has said she especially enjoys returning to Florida for performances.[5] In 1987, she was named the "Distinguished Alumni" honoree by the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.[12] In 1988, she was awarded the "Florida Prize," a $10,000 award given by The New York Times Company "to a Florida native or resident for outstanding work in the visual and performing arts."[13]

Honors and awards

References
  1. Combined Talents Produce Sparkling 'Porgy & Bess' Stewart Woolley. Sarasota Journal. Google News. November 4, 1974. Retrieved March 3, 2016
  2. W.J. Fenza, "Mais Oui, ASO Soloist Can Sing More Than Bess", 01 November 1997, The Morning Call, Allentown, PA; available online here, accessed 15 July 2010.
  3. Music: Debuts in Review; Marvis Martin Offers American Songs John Rockwell. The New York Times. December 13, 1981. Retrieved March 3, 2016
  4. Frost Alumni Achievements. Marvis Martin, B.M. '77 Frost School of Music. University of Miami. 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  5. David Nicholson, "Soprano Chooses A More Relaxed Schedule: Talented Classical Singer Will Perform At CNU", 14 October 1993, Daily Press (Virginia); available online here, accessed 15 July 2010.
  6. Donal Henahan, "Menotti Salute to Alice Tully", 25 October 1982, The New York Times; available online here, accessed 15 July 2010.
  7. John Rockwell, "Debuts in Review; Marvis Martin Offers American Songs", 13 December 1981, The New York Times; available online here, accessed 15 July 2010.
  8. Metropolitan Opera Archives Online, accessed 15 July 2010.
  9. Donal Henahan, "Review/Recital; A Soprano Who Reveals Herself", 07 April 1988, The New York Times; available online here, accessed 15 July 2010.
  10. Boston Symphony Orchestra concert programs Worldcat.org. Digital Archive Retrieved March 3, 2016
  11. SOPRANO MARVIS MARTIN IS AT EASE WITH SONGS OF THE SOUTH Greensboro News & Record. BH Media Group, Inc. February 20, 1992. Retrieved March 3, 2016
  12. Distinguished Alumni Awards Archived 2010-05-27 at the Wayback Machine, accessed 15 July 2010.
  13. "Soprano Wins $10,000", 2 February 1988, The New York Times; available online here, accessed 15 July 2010.
  14. Soprano Wins $10,000. NYT. February 2, 1988. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  15. Marvin Martin. University of Miami. Frost School of Music. 1987 Distinguished Alumna Frost School of Music. University of Miami. 2016. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
  16. Review/Recital; A Soprano Who Reveals Herself Donal Henahan. The New York Times. April 7, 1988. Retrieved March 3, 2016.
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