MARVIS MARTIN

Marvis Martin is an acclaimed American lyric soprano celebrated for her radiant voice, artistic sensitivity, and expressive interpretations on the concert and recital stage. Particularly admired for her renditions of Songs from the Auvergne by Joseph Canteloube and her portrayal of Bess in Bobby McFerrin’s concert version of Porgy and Bess, Martin has garnered critical praise from The New York Times as “a lyric soprano of unusual brightness, evenness and quality.”

 

Born in Tallahassee and raised in Miami, Martin began singing professionally at the age of five. She earned her Bachelor of Music from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She further honed her artistry under the tutelage of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and as a protégée of Alice Tully.

 

Martin made her professional debut in 1981 through the Young Concert Artists Series, followed by her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1982 as Pamina in a touring production of The Magic Flute. She went on to appear in Boris Godunov, Don Carlo, Ariadne auf Naxos, Porgy and Bess, and Idomeneo. Over time, she shifted her focus toward recitals and concert work, performing with leading ensembles such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, where conductor Zubin Mehta programmed a piece especially for her.

 

Throughout her career, Martin has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Florida Prize and the Frost School of Music’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Though she has graced stages worldwide, she maintains a deep affection for performing in her home state of Florida.

 

Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
Met Debut: 1982

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