Merrill Hall, MU301
Biography
Possessed of a keen interest in seventeenth- and eighteenth century culture from a young age, Colin St. Martin began playing the traverso at the age of fourteen. He began his formal studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music (Brussels, Belgium) receiving a First Prize under the tutelage of the renowned master, Bart Kuijken. St. Martin continued his studies with graduate work at Indiana University where he was the traverso instructor. From 1993 to 2010, St. Martin served as the early-flute professor at Peabody Conservatory. He continues to maintain a private studio, in addition to giving numerous masterclasses and performances throughout the USA.
As a performer, St. Martin has appeared with many of North America's finest period-instrument ensembles, including Arcanum, Washington Bach Consort, Tafelmusik, American Bach Soloists, North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, Tempesta di Mare, Four Nations, Rebel Baroque Ensemble, Folger Consort, National Cathedral Baroque Orchestra and Opera Lafayette. Colin is also an active soloist in his home state of Texas, where he is the principal traverso player for Ars Lyrica Houston and the Houston Bach Society, in addition to occasionally performing with the Mercury Ensemble. St. Martin’s extensive recording catalogue contains a wide variety of repertoire on such labels as Centaur, ASI Gaudeamus, Lyrichord, Naxos, Focus and Newport Classic labels.
St. Martin has done extensive translation work and research of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century French literature as part of his on-going interest in the art and culture of Europe during the baroque period. Additionally, he has become increasingly sought after as a French diction coach and record producer.