Catherine Martin

Catherine Martin is a Professor of Historical Performance at the Royal College of Music (RCM), specializing in baroque violin and historical string ensemble techniques. She is also affiliated with the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo.

• St Anne’s College, Oxford (BAHons)
• Guildhall School of Music and Drama (Advanced Solo Studies with David Takeno)

Her research and practice focus on historical performance practices from the early 1600s to the 19th century, with expertise in baroque violin, classical repertoire, and Norwegian folk music. She leads projects ranging from chamber groups to large-scale orchestral works like Handel’s oratorios and Bach’s Passions.

Notable recordings include collaborations with the Gabrieli Consort and Players (Deutsche Grammophon), Ensemble Galant (EMI), and I Fagiolini (Chandos). She won the 2019 Helpmann Award for her leadership in Purcell’s King Arthur with Gabrieli Consort.

• Leader of Gabrieli Consort and Players (since 2005)
• Concertmaster of Die Kölner Akademie (since 2010)
• Founding member of Early Opera Company (since 1994)
• Second violinist in Salomon String Quartet (since 2003)
• Collaborator with Collegium Musicum 90

She actively coaches amateur musicians and runs workshops on historical performance techniques for both baroque and modern instrument players.