Tenor Archives - Curtis Institute of Music

The internationally renowned tenor, actor, music director, vocal coach, and adjunct professor of the American University of Rome attended Curtis from 1984–86

For more than 30 years, acclaimed tenor, actor, music director, vocal coach, educator, and Curtis alumnus Timothy Martin (Voice ’86) has forged a remarkable career in the performing arts. A native of York, Pennsylvania, Mr. Martin began his formal training at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and continued his vocal studies at Curtis, where he worked with Raquel Adonaylo and Marianne Casiello (Voice ’51). In broadening his range and expanding the scope of his craft, he then honed his acting skills with the esteemed Herbert Berghof at HB Studios in New York City. His career has since flourished across multiple disciplines, spanning theater, opera, oratorio, concerts, television, film, and more.

Mr. Martin’s notable acting career includes a range of performances in film and television productions. He portrayed Patrick Lumumba in The Amanda Knox Story, appeared as Moses, a lawyer, in La Lettera, and played Judge Higgins in La Porta delle 7 Stelle. His work extends to Giuseppe Tornatore’s A Pure Formality, the TV film Sospetti, and the popular sitcom Casa Vianello. His presence in commercials for brands such as Kodak, Fiat, and La Repubblica further highlights his versatility as a performer.

As a tenor, Mr. Martin has captivated audiences with his vocal talent in numerous venues across the globe, including the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. His American Song Recitals have been showcased at Mercati Traianei in Rome, the American Academy in Rome, and the Spoleto Festival. He has also performed as a tenor soloist in Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Maitisong Symphony in Botswana; in Igor Stravinsky’s Pulcinella and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem with the Rome Philharmonic; and in Johann Sebastian Bach’s Weihnachtsoratorium with the Oklahoma Symphony.

Mr. Martin’s expertise extends beyond performance into direction. He has led numerous musical productions, including TV 2000’s La Canzone Di Noi and events such as Il Fontanone Estate in Rome, African Day Celebration, and concerts at Villa Miani and La Chiesa di San Paolo entro le Mura. His appearances in benefit concerts and international cultural events have further demonstrated his commitment to using music as a force for unity and artistic expression.

In addition to his work as a performer and director, Martin has made a significant impact in the world of academia. Since 1999, he has served as an adjunct professor at the American University of Rome, teaching courses on the history and development of Italian opera. Each of his classes examines the evolution of opera from its origins in the Baroque period through the 20th century, with a focus on composers like Giacomo Puccini, and his approach integrates musical analysis, dramatic interpretation, and vocal technique to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the art form.

Mr. Martin has also worked as a vocal coach at the Scuola di Musica Popolare di Testaccio in Rome, offering individual instruction in operatic repertoire, German lieder, and French mélodie. His work at A.I.D.A. (Accademia Internazionale delle Arti) involved training students in a variety of musical styles, including rock, R&B, jazz, and pop. Additionally, his role as a tour director with EF (Education First) allowed him to provide cultural tours of Italy for North American travelers, further showcasing the scope of his knowledge in the arts and music history.

An advocate for choral music, in 2005, Mr. Martin founded the Amazing Grace Gospel Choir, an ensemble that specializes in Afro-American religious music and has performed throughout Italy and beyond. This leadership extends to Coro Afrique, where he also trained and directed a youth chorus of African and Afro-Italian children, teaching them traditional songs in multiple languages.

Timothy Martin’s dynamic career is not only a testament to his exceptional artistic versatility, but it has allowed him to bridge cultural divides, highlighting the universal power of music to inspire, heal, and unite us all.

Visit Timothy Martin’s official website.

Please visit the Curtis Institute of Music Open Archives and Recitals (CIMOAR). Learn more about Curtis’ library and archives HERE.

Photo Credits: 1, 6, & 7.) Banner image, portrait, and promotional image of the Amazing Grace Gospel Choir; courtesy of Mr. Martin’s Facebook account. 2.) At the Cervo ti Strega Festival; courtesy of Mr. Martin. 3.) Timothy Martin as Sergeant Coogan with Daryl Hannah in the film 2047: Sights of Death. 4.) Courtesy of Timothy Martin’s official website. 5.) Timothy Martin; courtesy of the American University of Rome.

Class of 1986
Back Row: Harvey de Souza (Marshal), William Coble, Blair Bollinger, Michael Stern, John Warren, Suzanne Brown, Paul Cortese, John Thorne, Thomas Sauer, Leigh Mesh, Elizabeth Manus, Marco Mendez, Lisa White

Third Row: Gregory Hall, Caroline Thomas, Timothy Martin, Fred Horicke, Lori Amada, Paul Romero, Julie Triquet, Ming-Feng Hsin, James Helgeson

Second Row: Charles Wetherbee (Marshal), Belinda Reuning, Mitchell Newman, Joanne Pearce, Andrea Plesnarski, Jennifer Ross, Sarah Macy Woodcock, Suzanne Gilman, Lisa Ponton, Barbara Yahr, Diane Pascal, Nicola Everton (Marshal)

First Row: Beatrice Long, Yaron Etkovich, Pyinah Chon, Bonnie Bewick, Kelly Shanafelt, Kevin Short, Katherine Turner, Judith Pannill, Beth McLeod, Yang-Sook Lee