Marvis Martin facts for kids

Marvis Lynn Martin, born on April 7, 1954, is a talented American singer known for her beautiful voice. She is a soprano, which means she sings the highest parts in music. Marvis is famous for her live concerts and special singing shows called recitals. People especially loved her performances of "Songs from the Auvergne" and her role as Bess in the concert version of "Porgy and Bess."

The New York Times newspaper praised her voice, calling it "unusually bright and clear." She has won many awards and is celebrated for her lovely voice and how well she connects with her audience.

Early Life and Learning

Marvis Martin was born in Tallahassee, Florida, but she grew up in Miami. She started singing professionally when she was only five years old! She studied music at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where she earned a special degree in music in 1977. Later, she got a master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She also learned from famous singers like Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and was helped by Alice Tully.

Her Singing Career

Marvis Martin began her professional singing career in 1981 as part of the Young Concert Artists Series. The New York Times said she was "promising" and had the talent to become an important singer. In 1982, she sang for the first time with the famous Metropolitan Opera. She played the role of "Pamina" in a touring show called The Magic Flute.

Over the next few years, Marvis received many awards and great reviews for her singing in recitals, concerts, and operas. At the Metropolitan Opera, she performed in several operas, including Boris Godunov, Don Carlo, Ariadne auf Naxos, Porgy and Bess, and Idomeneo.

As her career continued, she started to focus more on recitals and concert performances rather than full operas. She once said, "I love opera, but don't necessarily love all the hubbub," meaning she preferred the simpler setting of concerts. She also decided to travel less often for work. She has performed with many famous groups, like the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.

Marvis Martin especially enjoys performing in Florida, her home state. In 1987, her old school, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, honored her as a "Distinguished Alumni." In 1988, she received the "Florida Prize," a special award of $10,000 from The New York Times Company for her amazing work in the arts.

Awards and Recognitions

• Florida Prize. Awarded by The New York Times Company's regional newspaper group, 1988.
• Distinguished Alumna. Honored by the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, 1987.
• Michaels Award of Young Concert Artists. Received at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center in New York City, 1981.