Thomas Martin was born in 1940. He began learning to play the double bass in Cincinnati (USA) from Harold Roberts. He continued studies in New York with Oscar Zimmermann, later, in Philadelphia, with Roger Scott. He worked in the orchestras of Israel, Canada (Montreal), England (London, Birmingham, Academy of St Martin in the Fields), was a double bass player in the English Chamber Orchestra. In 1990 he returned to the London Symphony Orchestra, where he worked earlier and until the late 1990s headed a group of double basses.
As musician he showed himself bright and talented as double bass player, orchestra and chamber performer, researcher of Giovanni Bottezini and, finally, as master for manufacture and restoration of musical instruments.
Martin has always been interested in the music of Giovanni Bottesini. As double bassist, he performed many pieces, including previously unknown works of the Italian virtuoso and composer. The result of many ears of his work was not only recorded LPs, CDs of numerous Bottezini pieces, but also publication of 3 major articles that trace the way of life and illuminate work of that Italian virtuoso as conductor and composer.
Among the excellent Bottezini's music recordings made by Martin, especially the beloved First Concerto in F Sharp Minor and brilliantly played Grand Concert Duo with the orchestra and violinist's partner. Martin showed his the highest skil performing in duets with vocalists - Concert Duo for Cello and Double Vass with Orchestra on Themes from Bellini`s opera Puritaine and Bottezini`s pieces.
This artist has performed in various countries, participated in international meetings of double bass players. He always played on excellent instruments - for example, on double bass of the master Bergontsi. The Times called Martin "the executor, capable to transform the tool into the singer". Enthusiastic reviews of this artist have been published in many respectable publications, particularly "Strad", published in England.
For many years, Martin has been conducting a double-bass class at the Guildhall School of Music and Theater, as well as seminars and master classes with young musicians in Europe and the USA. This outstanding musician was often invited to the Jury of International Competitions in Italy, Germany, Russia (Competition "In Memory of SA Koussevitsky" 1995, II International Koussevitsky Contrabassist Competition, 2007), USA.
Particular passion of this double bassist is passionate interest in the stringed instruments of ancient masters. Working at the level of professional master, Martin has made many excellent quality instruments and continues to successfully learn this new profession for himself.
