Biography
Attracting the attention of Jascha Heifetz and Yehudi Menuhin with solo performances in Los Angeles and San Francisco, violinist Martin Stoner studied at The Juilliard School as a scholarship student of Ivan Galamian, and later with David Nadien, former Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein.
As a soloist, Stoner has given numerous recitals including appearances in London, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. His solo radio appearances have included National Public Radio’s “Performance Today”, and live broadcasts on radio stationsWQXR and WNYC in New York. As a chamber musician, Stoner was coached by members of the Juilliard, Guarneri, and Cleveland String Quartets, as well as by Josef Gingold.
Stoner began his serious study of the violin only in college. In fact, Stoner perfected his skills well after completing his formal education at Juilliard. During this time he supported himself by performing in orchestras and in doing commercial recording work.
As a result, Stoner was able to collaborate with a variety of musicians and expose himself to diverse influences. Stoner performed in orchestras under the baton of Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein, played chamber music with Lukas Foss and Yo Yo Ma and recorded with some of the top popular artists of his time, including Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Mariah Carey, Destiny’s Child, and Robert Plante and Jimmy Page of Led Zepplin. Stoner also played on the soundtrack recording for the movie “Frida” which won an Academy Award for Best Music, Original Score, in 2002 and recorded with Celine Dion the Grammy-winning song, “My Heart Goes On” from the movie “Titanic”, whose soundtrack also won an Academy Award for Best Music in 1997.
A strong interest in programming has led Stoner to perform concerts featuring elegant vignettes and miniatures from the Golden Age of violin playing. While infusing the repertoire with a personal style and singular sound, Stoner has delighted audiences with his imaginative programming and vibrant technique.
TESTIMONIALS
"Mr. Stoner is a fine musician in addition to being an excellent violinist with considerable recital experience. I thoroughly enjoyed his concert, ‘A Musical Tribute to Fritz Kreisler’ on April 25th at Merkin Hall. He has honed and developed his musicianship in an admirable way."
— Gideon W. Waldrop: Dean, The Juilliard School
"I recently heard Martin Stoner play my ‘Three American Pieces’ for violin and piano. He is a wonderful violinist and a dedicated musician."
— Lukas Foss: Music Director Emeritus, Milwaukee Symphony, The Brooklyn Philharmonic
"[Martin] should be very proud of his artistic achievements."
— Oscar Shumsky: Professor of Violin, Yale University
"He plays so well. I was very moved."
— Joseph Gingold: Distinguished Professor of Violin, Indiana University
"His talent and achievement qualify him as one of America’s most outstanding violinists. We give him our unreserved endorsement."
— Travis Gering: Artistic Director, Concerts Atlantique
"He is a skilled violinist and fine musician."
— David Nadien: Former Concertmaster, New York Philharmonic