Catherine Martin read music at St Anne’s College, Oxford, completing her postgraduate studies with David Takeno at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, on the Advanced Solo Studies course.
During this time, she became interested in historical performance, playing the Baroque violin alongside her modern violin studies. Catherine spent twelve years as a member of The English Concert under the direction of Trevor Pinnock, before leaving in 2005 to take up the post of leader of the Gabrieli Consort and Players. In 2010 Catherine was also appointed concertmaster of Die Kölner Akademie in Germany. She has been the leader of the orchestra of the Early Opera Company since its inception in 1994.

Catherine was invited by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in 2012 to coach the players on Baroque and Classical repertoire. She also runs weekend workshops and concert performances with many amateur Baroque orchestras and modern chamber orchestras who wish to know more about the field of historical performance. Catherine has a particular interest in Norwegian folk music, playing the hardanger fiddle.

In 2003, Catherine joined the Salomon String Quartet as second violin to Simon Standage, with whom she also plays trio sonatas in Collegium Musicum 90. Catherine appears on many recordings; for Deutsche Grammophon and Winged Lion with The Gabrieli Consort and Players, EMI with Ensemble Galant, and Chandos with I Fagiolini.

1. How long have you been a member of Ex Cathedra and why did you join?

My first concert with Ex Cathedra was about 30 years ago, when I was still very early on my Baroque violin journey. I was recommended to the orchestra by my teacher and then leader of the orchestra, Mica Comberti. I have no idea what we played, because at that time almost all Baroque music was new for me, but I still remember the stress of trying to negotiate the Birmingham underpass system to try and park somewhere near the rehearsal venue!

2. What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no typical day for a freelance musician. I sometimes leave the house before 7am to get to the airport, or I’ll be preparing for a concert in the evening, or heading out to teach at the Royal College of Music. I relish the variety of my work and couldn’t ever imagine going to the same place each day.

3. If you could choose to perform again any piece you have performed before with Ex Cathedra, what would it be, and & why?

The piece that I will be playing with Ex Cathedra in December is one of my favourite works; Bach’s B Minor Mass. From the majestic opening, through the joyous Gloria to the sombre but hopeful Dona nobis pacem at the end, it’s such an uplifting work. I’m delighted to be playing it with Ex Cathedra again.

4. What’s your musical “guilty secret”?

I have to admit to a passion for 80s pop music. One of my favourite parties was a costume party where my Cyndi Lauper disco outfit complimented my pink backcombed hair and neon make-up. You’ll see me a little more conservatively dressed on the concert platform!