Martha Bartz
Mezzo-soprano
Charlotte, N.C.
Please tell our readers about your career highlights so far.
After a successful 24-year career in international transportation sales and marketing and software development, while raising three children, I have returned to classical singing in the past three years. These three years I have performed as a soloist in venues like Carnegie Hall, the Cathedral of St John the Divine, the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove (New Jersey), fronted the Charlotte Symphony, the New York Chamber Orchestra, and the Pilsen Symphony, and developed and performed many recitals and my own cabaret. I have recently been invited with my accompanist, Dr. Mory Ortman, to participate in the Art Song Festival in Cleveland, in May.
What are your goals for the next five years?
The next 10 years?
To continue to grow as a vocalist while gaining additional opportunities to perform across the United States and abroad as an oratorio soloist, a recitalist, and guest artist, to maintain my vocal integrity while doing so, and to know when the time to retire is appropriate.
Who is your mentor, or the most influential person in your life as a singer?
Paul E. Oakley and Dr. Mory Ortman
What is your dream role, and why?
I love being a soloist: oratorio, concert (art songs, especially), recital, or cabaret. I am guessing [I’m] a rare classical singer: [one who] doesn’t have a great interest in performing opera roles.
How do you handle the inevitable rejection that is part of a singer’s life?
Face it with age-related maturity and the reality that not everyone loves my voice, not everyone needs my voice part or timbre, and that insuring that I do my best in every opportunity is the way to satisfy myself.
How do you balance career and family?
I still have my own logistics business, am the executive director of a non-profit (www.ethosarts.org), and have my new performing career. My husband and three children require my time as well. Bottom line: time management is crucial to my success. Prioritization of tasks, calendar management, and a great passion for all I do makes it all possible.
What is your favorite article you’ve read in Classical Singer, and why?
The recent article “Emotion in Song” [see the February and March ’08 issues] was very timely as my current focus is on art song performance.
Who is your favorite singer and why?
I love Sylvia McNair. She sings all genres so very well. Her collaborations with Andre Previn are beautiful.
