World-leading musician joins St Andrews

Internationally celebrated clarinettist Maximiliano (Maxi) Martín is set to become the first Honorary Professor of Woodwind at the University of St Andrews.

Maxi will launch his professorship with the University’s Laidlaw Music Centre with a special lunchtime concert in St Andrews on Wednesday 6 October.

As a renowned concerto soloist and chamber musician, Maxi has performed in prestigious venues throughout the world, and is already familiar to St Andrews audiences through his role as Principal Clarinet of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO).

Highly committed to music education, Maxi enjoys associations with conservatoires across Europe and beyond. In his new role at St Andrews Maxi will work with and alongside the University’s outstanding woodwind players as a teacher, chamber music coach and collaborator to staff and students, as well as giving concerts and public masterclasses.

Michael Downes, the University’s Director of Music, said: “Maxi is an extraordinary musician: whether as a soloist, chamber musician or a member of an orchestra, and whatever the repertoire, his playing always brings the music to life in a fresh and exciting way. He is a generous collaborator and an inspirational teacher who brings out the best in young performers of every standard. He is the perfect person to help nurture and develop our woodwind students as the Music Centre begins an exciting new era in the Laidlaw Centre, and we are all thrilled to welcome him to the St Andrews family.”

Maxi’s appointment will further strengthen the Music Centre’s association with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the University’s Orchestra in Residence for more than a decade.

Maxi’s special lunchtime concert to launch his professorship will take place at the Laidlaw Music Centre on Wednesday 6 October at 1.10pm. Maxi will be accompanied by pianist Scott Mitchell. The programme will include clarinet sonatas by Poulenc, Honegger and Bernstein.