Martha J. Hart · mezzo soprano

Known for her stylistic interpretation of music spanning the Baroque to contemporary, mezzo-soprano Martha J. Hart has sung to critical acclaim throughout North America and France. Highly regarded for her performance of oratorio, art song and chamber music, Martha has sung with symphony orchestras including Montreal, Atlanta, Phoenix, St. Louis, and the Orchestra of St. Luke′s at Carnegie Hall. Conductors with whom Ms. Hart has worked include Helmuth Rilling, Simon Preston, Craig Jessop, and the late Robert Shaw. With Mr. Shaw she recorded solos of the Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes, and is a featured soloist on Schubert Songs for Male Chorus, both on the Telarc label. Other recordings are The Celestial Country with the St. Olaf Choir, Linn Records, and a solo CD with pianist J.J. Penna, Summer Journey: Songs of Darius Milhaud, (available through a link from www.marthajhart.com).

As a recitalist, Ms. Hart is known for her imaginative programs combining poetry reading and art song around a central theme. As one critic writes: “The program was charming, touching, and engaging, both in content and presentation.” A versatile singer, Martha is part of the ensemble Three for the Road, a trio dedicated to the performance of American popular music from the 1930s and’40s.

In addition to her performance credits, Martha is a respected vocal pedagogue and is invited to present master classes at colleges and universities. Currently she serves as Artist-in-Residence and during the summer she is artist/faculty at the Bay View Music Festival in northern Michigan.