Martin Perkins - co-director

 

After tuneful beginnings as a brass-bander in rural Norfolk, Martin Perkins started his formal music studies at Birmingham Conservatoire initially as a composer and French horn player. However, his interest in Early Music soon led him to the harpsichord and he graduated with an MA degree in 1998 after studying with Lucy Carolan. More recently he has completed an MPhil at the University of Birmingham studying late 17th century Italian chamber music and he is currently studying for a PhD in music-making in 18th century Britain. As a harpsichordist Martin is active in the Midlands and London performing with many different groups, including locally the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and English Symphony Orchestra, and is often called upon for his skills as a continuo player. As a director, he has performed music from Gabrieli to Poulenc, including staged operas by Handel, Mozart and Purcell.  He has often appeared as concerto soloist, performing works by Handel, Bach and Graun, and notably Bach’s Brandenburg concerto no. 5. For a brief spell until 2007 he was Director of Music at the University of Leicester where he directed the University’s orchestras and choirs. Martin is Head of Early Music and the Instrument Curator at Birmingham Conservatoire.

 

Hear Martin perform Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.5 on Friday 3rd March, 2017. more