Brazilian pianist and conductor João Carlos Martins, renowned as a 20th-century Bach interpreter, returns to Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage for his farewell concert with NOVUS. This Musica Codetta production features classical masterpieces celebrating Martins’ career and artistry.
João Carlos Martins was born in São Paulo, Brazil in 1940. He began playing the piano at the age of four, and by the age of seven he was already performing in public. His early musical education was provided by his father, who was a professional violinist. At the age of nine, Martins was accepted into the National Music Conservatory of São Paulo, where he studied with the renowned pianist and composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos.
In 1959, Martins made his debut with the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, and soon after he began to tour internationally. He has performed with some of the world’s leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also conducted several orchestras, including the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
In addition to his performing career, Martins has also been a professor at the National Music Conservatory of São Paulo since 1965. He has also served as the artistic director of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra since 1988.
Legacy
João Carlos Martins is widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. He has been praised for his technical mastery and emotional depth, and his interpretations of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart are considered to be some of the finest ever recorded. He has also been credited with helping to bring classical music to a wider audience in Brazil, and his influence can be seen in the work of many younger Brazilian musicians.
Martins has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of Rio Branco, the highest honor bestowed by the Brazilian government. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of São Paulo and the University of Oxford.
When: Friday, May 9, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
Where: Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage (Carnegie Hall)
Tickets: https://www.carnegiehall.org/Cart/Event-Seating?itemNumber=50178#/
Sources: Carnegie Hall and Biog.com