Martin Stegner

Martin Stegner is a renowned German violist, best known for his role as the principal violist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra since 1994. Born in Munich in 1968, he kicked off his musical journey studying violin before switching to viola, honing his skills under masters like Kim Kashkashian at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music in Berlin. He's not just an orchestral powerhouse—he's super active in chamber music, teaching at the Karajan Academy, and collaborating on cool, genre-blending projects that mix classical works with global influences, like reimagining Bach sonatas or Monteverdi madrigals with instruments such as the sheng.

Beyond the big stage, Martin's got a knack for intimate, innovative performances, often teaming up with musicians from diverse backgrounds for live gigs and recordings that bring fresh vibes to timeless pieces. Whether it's tango flair in Piazzolla's Escualo or heartfelt standards like September Song, his playing is all about that warm, expressive tone that makes viola shine. He's a total pro who's dedicated his career to pushing boundaries while staying true to classical roots.

Genres

Chamber Music

Experimental

Folk

Classical

Jazz

Contemporary Classical

Baroque

Tango

Crossover

Latest Release

Pur ti miro

Wu Wei•

Martin Stegner•

Janne Saksala

Album - 8 Tracks - Released November 21, 2025