Faculty Biography

Mario Martínez, Instructor


Contact:
(585) 389-2706
mmartin8@naz.edu


Departmental Responsibilities:
Coordinator of Vocal Studies
Applied Voice
Voice Class
Vocal Pedagogy
Song Literature


Education:
Eastman School of Music, MM
Luther College, BM


Biography:
Baritone Mario E. Martínez made his United States professional operatic debut in1998 with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra production of Beethoven’s Fidelio, in the role of Don Pizarro. During his professional career, Martínez has appeared with the Rochester Philharmonic, Charleston Symphony, Western New York Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras of Santo Domingo, Orchard Park Chorale and Symphony, New Eastman Symphony, Eastman Philharmonia, Mercury Opera of Rochester, Opera Rochester, Buffalo Opera Unlimited, Opera de las Américas and Compañia Lírica Dominicana.

Operatic roles include Dulcamara in Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amore, David in Mascagni’s L’Amico Fritz,Emperor Uberall in Ullmann’s The Emperor of Atlantis, Falstaff in Verdi’s Falstaff, Almaviva in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Angellotti in Puccini’s Tosca, The Father in Milhaud’s Le Pauvre Matelot, Bohechioin Braga’s Opera 1492, Junius in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia, Raymondo in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, and Marullo in Verdi’s Rigoletto. Recent performances include his leading roles in the critically acclaimed Mercury Opera productions of L’Elisir D’Amore and L’amico Fritz, as well as a concert presentation at Merkin Concert Hall, at the Kauffman Center, in New York City.

In addition to his active performance career, Martínez serves as Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, teaching voice, vocal pedagogy and song literature. As Coordinator of Vocal Studies, Martínez has created and developed innovative programs such as the Annual Vocal Fest, the Barbara Staropoli Singing Competition,the Nazareth College Vocal Pedagogy Series and the Summer School of the Arts Musical Theatre Program, a joint venue between BOCES and Nazareth College. Several of Martinez’s students have been awarded prizes in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Regional competitions. Martínez taught at the State University of New York (SUNY), College at Fredonia, and at the Eastman School of Music Community Education Division.

Martínez is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), and was selected to participate in the prestigious NATS Intern Program in 2003. Martínez also served as On-Site Coordinator for the 2005 NATS Intern Program, and is currently Vice-President for the NATS-CNYFL Regional Chapter.

In August 2005, he was invited as guess conductor for the National Choir’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in his native country, the Dominican Republic, where he often returns as an art consultant for the Secretary of Culture and the General Office of Fine Arts. Martínez was recently appointed Music Director at the Penfield Presbyterian Church, in Penfield, New York.